recent iot attacks 2020
The world of technology has been rapidly advancing in recent years, and with it comes the rise of the Internet of Things (IoT). This refers to the interconnection of various devices and objects, allowing them to collect and exchange data. While this has brought about many conveniences and advancements, it has also opened up new vulnerabilities and risks, leading to a surge in IoT attacks. In 2020 alone, there have been numerous high-profile attacks targeting IoT devices, not only causing financial losses but also posing a threat to personal privacy and security. In this article, we will take a closer look at some of the recent IoT attacks of 2020 and their implications.
But first, let’s understand the basics of IoT attacks. These attacks can target any device connected to the internet, including smart home devices, industrial control systems, and even medical equipment. Hackers can take advantage of security flaws in these devices to gain access and control, manipulating them for their own purposes. This could include stealing sensitive data, disrupting operations, or even using the device as a part of a larger botnet to launch a massive cyberattack. With the increasing number of IoT devices being used in our daily lives, the potential for attacks has also increased significantly.
One of the most notable IoT attacks of 2020 was the attack on the Australian government’s parliamentary network. This attack, which was reported in February 2020, targeted the email systems of several Australian politicians, officials, and staff members. The attack was believed to have been carried out by a foreign nation, and it is suspected that the hackers gained access through an unsecured IoT device. While the details of the attack are still unclear, it highlights the potential risks associated with using IoT devices in government networks, where sensitive information is stored.
In March 2020, a massive IoT botnet attack was launched against the Czech Republic’s healthcare system. The attack targeted hospitals, causing a disruption in their operations and demanding a ransom payment in exchange for restoring access. This attack, which was believed to have originated from Russia, caused chaos and delays in medical procedures, highlighting the potential dangers of IoT attacks on critical systems. It also raised concerns about the security of medical devices connected to the internet, which could be targeted by hackers for malicious purposes.
Another significant IoT attack that made headlines in 2020 was the attack on the popular video conferencing platform, Zoom. As the COVID-19 pandemic forced people to work and study from home, the demand for video conferencing software skyrocketed, making Zoom one of the most widely used platforms. However, in April 2020, it was discovered that Zoom had a vulnerability that allowed hackers to take control of users’ webcams and microphones. This raised serious concerns about the privacy and security of online communication, as well as the potential risks of using IoT devices for remote work and learning.
In May 2020, a group of hackers launched a massive cyberattack on the Israeli water supply system. This attack, which was believed to have been carried out by Iran, targeted the control systems of the water pumps, causing them to malfunction and potentially posing a threat to public health. While the attack was quickly thwarted, it highlighted the potential dangers of IoT attacks on critical infrastructure. With the increasing use of IoT devices in industrial control systems, the risk of attacks on essential services such as water supply, electricity, and transportation has also increased.
IoT attacks are not limited to government and critical infrastructure, as individuals and businesses have also fallen victim to these attacks. In June 2020, a popular GPS tracker used by companies to track their fleet of vehicles was found to have a vulnerability that allowed hackers to access sensitive data, such as location and driver information. This could not only lead to financial losses but also pose a risk to the safety and security of drivers. It also highlights the need for proper security measures to be implemented when using IoT devices in businesses.
As the world continues to become more interconnected, the potential for IoT attacks is only expected to increase. In July 2020, a group of hackers launched a massive attack on multiple IoT devices, including routers, security cameras, and smart home devices, in an attempt to compromise the devices and use them as part of a botnet. This botnet, dubbed “FritzFrog,” was found to have infected more than 500 servers, and it is suspected that the hackers were planning a larger attack. This emphasizes the importance of securing IoT devices, even those used for personal use, to prevent them from being used as a part of a larger cyberattack.
In August 2020, a security researcher discovered a vulnerability in a popular smartwatch for children, which could allow hackers to track a child’s location and access their personal information. The watch, which was marketed as a way for parents to keep track of their children’s whereabouts, had a default password that could easily be bypassed, making it vulnerable to attacks. This not only puts the child’s safety at risk but also raises concerns about the security of IoT devices targeted towards children.
While the majority of IoT attacks in 2020 have been carried out by external hackers, there have also been instances of insider threats. In September 2020, a former employee of a medical clinic in Florida was charged with hacking into the clinic’s network and deleting thousands of patient records. The employee, who had access to the clinic’s IoT devices, used his knowledge of the system to carry out the attack, causing significant financial and reputational damage. This highlights the need for proper security measures to be implemented not only to protect against external attacks but also from insider threats.
In October 2020, a series of IoT attacks targeted the Belgian government’s IT network, causing significant disruptions in their operations. The attack, which was believed to have originated from China, targeted multiple government agencies, and it is suspected that the hackers gained access through unsecured IoT devices. This attack not only caused financial losses but also posed a threat to national security, highlighting the need for strict security measures to protect against such attacks.
In conclusion, the rise of IoT devices has brought about many conveniences and advancements in our daily lives. However, it has also opened up new vulnerabilities and risks, leading to a surge in IoT attacks. The attacks mentioned above are just some of the many that have occurred in 2020, highlighting the need for proper security measures to be implemented to protect against these attacks. With the increasing use of IoT devices, it is crucial for governments, businesses, and individuals to be aware of the potential risks and take necessary precautions to prevent becoming a victim of an IoT attack. Only then can we fully reap the benefits of the Internet of Things without compromising our privacy and security.
discord how to view deleted messages
Discord is a popular messaging platform used by millions of people worldwide. It allows users to communicate with others through text, voice, and video chats. One of the features of Discord is the ability to delete messages. This can be useful for removing unwanted or sensitive information from a conversation. However, there may be times when you want to view messages that have been deleted by yourself or others. In this article, we will discuss how to view deleted messages on Discord and the reasons why messages may be deleted.
What are Deleted Messages on Discord?
Deleted messages on Discord refer to any messages that have been removed from a conversation. This can be done by the sender or the recipient of the message. When a message is deleted, it will no longer be visible in the conversation. However, it is not completely erased from Discord’s servers. The message is still stored in Discord’s database and can be retrieved by certain methods.
Reasons for Deleting Messages on Discord
There are several reasons why a user may want to delete messages on Discord. One of the most common reasons is to remove sensitive or inappropriate content from a conversation. This can be important for maintaining a professional or appropriate chat environment. Another reason may be to clear up clutter in a conversation or to remove outdated information.
Another reason for deleting messages on Discord is to prevent others from seeing them. This can be useful in situations where a user has made a mistake or has sent a message to the wrong person. By deleting the message, the user can avoid any potential misunderstandings or conflicts.
How to View Deleted Messages on Discord
While Discord does not have a built-in feature to view deleted messages, there are a few methods that can be used to retrieve them. These methods may require some technical knowledge and are not guaranteed to work in all situations. It is also important to note that attempting to view deleted messages without permission from the sender or recipient may be a violation of Discord’s Terms of Service.
Method 1: Using a Discord Bot
A Discord bot is a program that can be added to a server to perform various tasks. There are several bots available that claim to be able to retrieve deleted messages on Discord. One such bot is the “Discord Message Retriever” bot. To use this bot, you will need to have permission to add bots to the server.
Once the bot is added, you can use the command “!msg” followed by the message ID to retrieve a deleted message. The message ID can be found by right-clicking on the deleted message and selecting “Copy ID.” It is important to note that this method may not work for messages that were deleted a long time ago.
Method 2: Using a Discord Data Recovery Tool
Another method to view deleted messages on Discord is by using a data recovery tool. These tools are designed to retrieve data that has been deleted from a device. One such tool is “EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard.” This tool is available for both Windows and Mac and can be used to recover deleted Discord messages.
To use this tool, you will need to download and install it on your computer . Once installed, you can select the Discord app from the list of applications and scan for deleted messages. The tool will then display a list of recovered messages that you can view.
Method 3: Contacting Discord Support
If the above methods do not work, you can try contacting Discord support for assistance. They may be able to retrieve deleted messages from their servers, but this is not guaranteed. To contact Discord support, you can submit a request through their website or send an email to their support team.
It is important to note that Discord may not be able to retrieve messages that were deleted a long time ago or messages that were deleted intentionally by the user.
Method 4: Using the Audit Log
If you are an administrator or have permission to view the audit log, you can use this method to view deleted messages on Discord. The audit log records all the actions taken on a server, including message deletions. To access the audit log, click on the server name, select “Server Settings,” and then click on “Audit Log.” From here, you can filter the log to view only deleted messages.
Method 5: Asking the Sender or Recipient
If you are trying to view deleted messages that you sent, you can ask the recipient to forward them to you. If you deleted messages that were sent to you, you can ask the sender to resend them. This method may not be feasible if the messages were deleted a long time ago or if the user is not willing to cooperate.
Method 6: Using a Screen Recorder
Another method that may work in some cases is by using a screen recorder. This method involves recording your screen while scrolling through the conversation. If the messages were deleted recently, they may still be visible in the recording. However, this method is not guaranteed to work and may not be practical in all situations.
Tips for Preventing Deleted Messages on Discord
While there are ways to retrieve deleted messages on Discord, it is best to try and prevent them from being deleted in the first place. Here are some tips to help prevent deleted messages on Discord:
1. Think before you send: Before sending a message, make sure it is appropriate and necessary. This can prevent the need to delete it later.
2. Use the edit feature: If you make a mistake in a message, you can use the edit feature to correct it instead of deleting it.
3. Set clear rules: If you are an administrator of a server, make sure to set clear rules about what is and is not allowed in the chat. This can help prevent users from sending inappropriate messages that may need to be deleted.
4. Use the “delete message history” feature: Discord has a feature that allows users to delete their message history in a specific channel. This can be useful for removing outdated or irrelevant information without deleting the entire conversation.
5. Consider using direct messages: If you want to have a private conversation, consider using direct messages instead of a server channel. This can help prevent others from seeing the messages.
Conclusion
Discord’s ability to delete messages can be useful in certain situations, but it can also cause frustration when trying to retrieve important information. While there are ways to view deleted messages on Discord, these methods may not always work and may not be practical in all situations. It is best to try and prevent deleted messages by being mindful of what you send and setting clear rules for your server. If you do need to retrieve deleted messages, make sure to do so with permission from the sender or recipient and in accordance with Discord’s Terms of Service.
