What would happen if Amazon’s Alexa ever went rogue? It is a thought that probably have occurred to more than a few of us, especially those of us who watch a certain TV series which will remain unnamed to prevent spoilers, and see how wrong things can go when an AI assistant runs amok.

Apparently, fact is not too far from fiction. Check Point Research, the Threat Intelligence arm of Check Point® Software Technologies Ltd. a leading provider of cyber security solutions globally, recently identified security vulnerabilities in certain Amazon/Alexa subdomains that would have allowed a hacker to remove/install skills on the targeted victim’s Alexa account, access their voice history and personal data.

The attack required a single click by the user on a malicious link crafted by the hacker and voice interaction by the victim.

With over 200 million sold globally, Alexa is capable of voice interaction, setting alerts, music playback, and controlling smart devices in a home automation system. But, as with all AI ambitions, artificial intelligence is intended to learn and grow, exceeding its initial programming.

Users can extend Alexa’s capabilities by installing ‘skills.’ which are voice-driven apps. However, Check Point has pointed out that the personal information stored in users’ Alexa accounts and the device’s use as a home automation controller makes them an attractive target for hackers.

Check Point researchers demonstrated how the vulnerabilities they found in certain Amazon/Alexa subdomains could be exploited by a hacker crafting and sending a malicious link to a target user, which appears to come from Amazon.  If the user clicks the link, the attacker can then:

·       Access a victim’s personal information, such as banking data history, usernames, phone numbers and home address  

·       Extract a victim’s voice history with their Alexa

·       Silently install skills (apps) on a user’s Alexa account

·       View the entire skill list of an Alexa user’s account

·       Silently remove an installed skill

“Smart speakers and virtual assistants are so commonplace that it’s easy to overlook just how much personal data they hold, and their role in controlling other smart devices in our homes. But hackers see them as entry points into peoples’ lives, giving them the opportunity to access data, eavesdrop on conversations or conduct other malicious actions without the owner being aware,” explained Oded Vanunu, Head of Products Vulnerabilities Research at Check Point. 

“We conducted this research to highlight how securing these devices is critical to maintaining users’ privacy. Thankfully, Amazon responded quickly to our disclosure to close off these vulnerabilities on certain Amazon/Alexa subdomains. We hope manufacturers of similar devices will follow Amazon’s example and check their products for vulnerabilities that could compromise users’ privacy. Previously, we conducted research on Tiktok, WhatsApp and Fortnite. Alexa has concerned us for a while now, given its ubiquity and connection to IoT devices. It’s these mega digital platforms that can hurt us the most. Therefore, their security levels are of crucial importance,” continued Vanunu.

Amazon fixed this issue soon after it was reported. And thankfully, before Alexa, in this case manipulated by a nefarious criminal,could be enabled to initiate a nuclear Armageddon and send Earth’s inhabitants back to tribalism.