Gadgetory

a security researcher turned an Amazon echo into a functioning wiretap but don't panic just yet MWR info security released a post detailing how one of its researchers gained access to an echos operating system and installed malware on it the malware was undetectable and granted full access to the device meaning it could be used to stream live conversations to a remote location that's some pretty serious stuff but there's no need to throw away your echo there are some limitations to how this hack works the device needs to be accessed physically which shouldn't be an issue for most echo owners also only older echo models seem to be vulnerable to this breach as MWR says Amazon has fixed this weakness in its 2017 echo devices of course better safe than sorry so here are some measures you can take to protect yourself if you buy an echo make sure it's from a certified seller since a seller you're unfamiliar with may tamper with it before shipping also if you find yourself in a space with an echo like a hotel room where previous guests and housekeeping have had physical access there's always the most basic line of defense shutting it off for cnet.com I'm ashley Esqueda