Crosswalks Hacked to Play Fake Audio of Musk, Zuck, and Jeff Bezos
A bizarre phenomenon is unfolding across several US cities, where hacked crosswalks are playing deepfake audio clips mocking top tech bosses, including Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg, and Jeff Bezos. The audio messages, which have been captured on video by pedestrians, are causing a mix of amusement and concern among residents.
The standard advice to "stop, look, and listen" when crossing the road has taken on a new meaning in these cities, where unsuspecting pedestrians are being treated to unexpected audio surprises. The fake voices of Tesla CEO Elon Musk, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, and Amazon founder Jeff Bezos have been played from compromised crosswalks, leaving many wondering who was responsible for this prank.
Last year, a security researcher revealed that it is relatively easy to reconfigure the audio used by crosswalk systems manufactured by Polara, due to lax password settings and default configurations. The revelation has sparked concerns about the vulnerability of these systems to hacking.
A Social Media Frenzy
Social media platforms have been flooded with videos documenting the compromised crosswalks, showcasing the creative and often humorous audio messages being played. One example shows a deepfake of Elon Musk saying: "Hi, this is Elon Musk. Welcome to Palo Alto, the home of Tesla engineering. You know, they say money can’t buy happiness. And, yeah, OK, I guess that’s true; God knows I’ve tried. But it can buy a Cybertruck, and that’s pretty sick, right?"
In another location, a deepfake of Mark Zuckerberg could be heard reassuring pedestrians not to worry about AI encroaching on their lives: "Don't worry, folks, AI is here to help us. It's just going to make our lives easier... or so I've been told."
A Call for Action
Some of the audio messages also made reference to Luigi Mangione, who has been charged with the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. While it is clear that whoever compromised these crosswalks is unhappy with the super-rich, the hacking of pedestrian crossings raises important questions about public safety.
The hacking of crosswalks not only poses a significant financial burden on cash-strapped cities but also poses a public safety hazard, particularly for vulnerable pedestrians such as those who are blind or have limited vision. As one expert noted, "Crosswalks are not just a source of entertainment; they're a critical component of our transportation infrastructure."
A more effective way to make your voice heard is by choosing not to support companies that you believe cause harm. By not giving your dollars to these corporations, you can help create positive change from the comfort of your own home.
A Larger Picture
The hacking of crosswalks is just one example of the growing threat of cyber attacks on roadside infrastructure. In recent years, there has been a long history of road signs and electronic billboards being compromised to display unauthorized messages, often through the exploitation of default passwords.
This trend highlights the need for greater investment in cybersecurity measures to protect our critical infrastructure from malicious actors. As technology continues to evolve, it is essential that we prioritize the security and resilience of our transportation systems.