A security researcher turned an Amazon Echo into a functioning wiretap.
But don't panic just yet.
MWR InfoSecurity released a post detailing how one of its researchers gained access to an Echo's operation 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 for 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 a previous guest 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.
