Hacker Breaks into On-Campus Smart Washing Machines, Leaving Thousands Without Reliable Laundry Service

A shocking cyber attack has left over a thousand students in Amsterdam without access to reliable laundry facilities at their on-campus housing complex, Spinozacampus. The hack, which was discovered in mid-July, saw the unknown perpetrator disable the payment system on the smart washing machines, allowing residents of the complex to use them for free.

The digital washing machines, which were installed as part of a convenient and cashless laundry service, had been compromised by the hacker(s), rendering them unusable for payments. However, this temporary reprieve was short-lived, as the management company behind the service, Duwo, soon took action to disable the devices altogether.

"Because we purchase the machines ourselves, we need the income to be able to continue offering laundry services to our residents at affordable prices," said a spokesperson for Duwo in an interview with Dutch publication Folia. The company's decision was likely motivated by the significant financial impact of covering the cost of unpaid laundry bills, which could add up quickly given that there are over 1,250 residents living in Spinozacampus.

Despite the temporary disruption, the situation has left many students concerned about their access to clean clothes and the risk of a lice outbreak. With only 10 analog washing machines available for use, with one student claiming that only one machine works at a time, queues are becoming increasingly long.

Fortunately, residents of another nearby residence building have access to more washing machines, which has helped alleviate some of the pressure on the system. Duwo is now switching back to non-digital appliances, expecting to receive five analog washing machines in the coming days. The company's decision comes as other housing associations and buildings begin to move away from IoT washing machines.

The hacker responsible for the attack could face serious consequences if caught, including up to a year in prison or six years if it is proven that they did so for monetary gain. However, experts say that finding the perpetrator is costly and time-consuming, making it unlikely that Duwo will pursue the case vigorously.

Expert Insights

"There are lots of bright minds on that campus who also know how to program," said Sijmen Ruwhof, an ethical hacker. "It gives you a huge kick when you hack into a washing machine like that." While Ruwhof suspects that a professional hacker is behind the attack, he also acknowledges that there are many talented students on campus who could potentially carry out such a breach.

"If I were a student and saw those digital washing machines, as a hacker, I would be getting the itch, too," added Ruwhof. The incident highlights the potential risks of relying on IoT technology in critical infrastructure like laundry facilities.

Awareness of the Risk

The attack serves as a wake-up call for students and housing associations alike to be more aware of the potential vulnerabilities in their digital systems. As experts emphasize, finding and addressing such weaknesses can help prevent future breaches and protect against costly downtime.

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