Smashing Security podcast #485: These researchers got drunk to hack an LG TV
This episode of Smashing Security focuses on a podcast segment where researchers, after becoming intoxicated, explored the security vulnerabilities of LG smart TVs. The researchers discovered that older LG TVs had significant security flaws, including the ability to be hacked remotely, and that the technology in these TVs hadn't aged well. The episode highlights the importance of regular security updates and the potential risks associated with outdated smart home devices. The researchers were particularly interested in recreating a scene from the film *Weird Science* using an older Memotech computer and Kelly LeBrock, illustrating the long-standing appeal and nostalgia surrounding these devices.
This episode of Smashing Security focuses on a podcast segment where researchers, after becoming intoxicated, explored the security vulnerabilities of LG smart TVs. The researchers discovered that older LG TVs had significant security flaws, including the ability to be hacked remotely. The episode highlights the importance of regular security updates and the potential risks associated with outdated smart home devices. The researchers were particularly interested in recreating a scene from the film *Weird Science* using an older Memotech computer and Kelly LeBrock, illustrating the long-standing appeal and nostalgia surrounding these devices.
During the podcast, the researchers discussed how they were able to exploit vulnerabilities in older LG TVs, demonstrating that the technology hadn't aged well and that the devices were susceptible to remote attacks. They were attempting to recreate a scene from the 1985 film *Weird Science*, where teenagers used technology to create a digital version of Kelly LeBrock. The researchers used a Memotech MTX computer, a home computer that wasn't particularly popular at the time, to achieve this.
The podcast segment touched on the fact that the researchers had originally owned a Memotech MTX computer themselves, and that it was a significant part of their formative teenage years. They emphasized that the technology was primitive by today's standards, but it represented a significant step in the evolution of personal computing.
The episode also highlighted the broader issue of security in smart home devices, noting that many older TVs and other connected appliances are no longer receiving security updates, leaving them vulnerable to attack. The researchers suggested that users should regularly check for and install updates to their smart TVs and other connected devices to mitigate these risks.
Finally, the podcast segment mentioned that the Memotech MTX and the Kelly LeBrock digital creation were now likely quite collectible, with the devices potentially fetching a significant price on eBay.