(Above link with skipped Paywall)
Summary by Andi:
A teenage hacker named Reynaldo Vasquez-Garcia discovered that the Halo 3C vape detector, which looks like a standard smoke detector in school bathrooms, contained hidden microphones and security flaws that allowed it to be turned into a secret listening device[1].
Working with another hacker known as “Nyx,” Vasquez-Garcia found the device could be hacked by exploiting weak password controls and firmware update vulnerabilities. Once compromised, attackers could use it to eavesdrop on conversations in real-time, disable its detection capabilities, create fake alerts, or play audio through its speaker[1:1].
The researchers revealed these findings at the 2025 Defcon hacker conference, demonstrating how any hacker on the same network could hijack a Halo 3C by brute-forcing passwords at 3,000 attempts per minute. The device’s firmware could also be modified since its encryption key was publicly available in updates on the manufacturer’s website[1:2].
Motorola, which owns the Halo 3C’s manufacturer IPVideo Corporation, said it developed a firmware update to address the security flaws. However, the researchers argue this doesn’t solve the fundamental privacy concern of having microphone-equipped devices installed in sensitive locations like school bathrooms and public housing[1:3].
So, why are microphones included in smoke detectors? Is this a dumb failsafe where it activates if it hears other smoke detectors?
It also has a microphone for listening out for “aggression,” gunshots, and keywords such as someone calling for help, a feature that to Vasquez-Garcia immediately raised concerns of more intrusive surveillance.
It’s in the article. I’d cause so many false positives for ‘aggression’ when taking a shit. My God this is terrible
Does it report you talking shit about the local government to the authorities? At this point, it doesn’t seem that far-fetched.
I doubt they built it with the processing power for that when the audio picked up from a large number of these placed throughout the building can all be routed to a central server with the power to follow people around and maintain audio contact wherever they go.
It’s to hear the screams of people burning alive
*The sound of children screaming has been removed*
I don’t know, maybe to be activated when someone screams “Fire”. I don’t even know why smart smoke detectors, the traditional ones are working pretty good. Stupid, not “smart”, the hype to include AI everywhere.
It is nice to have the smoke detector communicate out its status. I sure like to know when my house is on fire, even if I’m not home. And a notification about a battery being low is much nicer than incessant beeping.
None of this replaces the primary local, physical functionality. You don’t depend on technology for the thing to work; it’s just an addition.
It’s apparently a vape and bullying detector. So ostensibly the mics are used for the bullying part. But it does make you wonder the vape detection actually works by just listening for “can I get a hit”
Right? So dumb 😂😂😂
watch this garbage fail to prevent anything bad, but excel at surveilling children.
Exactly as designed…
This kid is going to have a career.
in being persecuted by the state?
Microphone cosplaying as a smoke detector
Schools are being turned into prisons
