Security firm SensePost has unveiled its Snoopy drone; which is able to fly around and steal smartphone information from unsuspecting users. The firm, which is attending a Black Hat Conference in Singapore, simply attached a computer containing their Snoopy software to a drone to grant it a greater range.
Most smartphones and tablets are generally left to continuously search for WiFi networks, and hackers are able to exploit this by impersonating a network that was previously connected to. The smartphone connects to this network thinking that it is secure; after which the hacker can tend record any information sent over the network. This includes passwords, banking information, and even home addresses.
Glenn Wilkinson, who developed the software, admits that none of the technology used is new. Instead, the drone brings together existing hacking methods into a single flexible package.
In a demonstration to the BBC, Wilkinson managed to draw up information about where the attendees of the conference.; including where they work, live, and which talks they attended. He also pointed out that such technologies could be used by undesirable elements to capture information from a densely populated area while remaining out of audio-visual range.
Wilkinson also advises that people who turn off the WiFi option on their smartphones until they absolutely need it.
[source: BBC]
