A new report created by the head of the University of Canberra’s Centre for Internet Safety, Nigel Phair, warns of the safety risk posed by smart electricity meters that are installed throughout Australia.
The research reveals particular vulnerabilities to hacking on smart meters that send information both ways, however, gas and water smart meters that only send information one way are safe.
“Most of the devices are being built without any inbuilt security around them — and by that I mean password protection and no ability to update what we call the firmware as time goes on so they become safe devices,” Mr Phair said.
Once a hacker has gained access to the smart electricity meter, the hacker can then access to the real-time electricity usage that can be used to alert burglars to when a house is unoccupied.
“It can mean anything from malicious software being pushed to that device, and amongst a smart-connected house, pushed to other devices,” Mr Phair said.
Smart electricity meters are mandatory in Victoria while they are available in all other states.
Should the Government act immediately to ensure companies upgrade the installed smart meter technology to be safe and secure?
Read more at abc.net.au
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