Here’s a story about a hacker who reprogrammed a device called “Flipper Zero” to mimic Opticom transmitters—to turn traffic lights in his path green.
As mentioned earlier, the Flipper Zero has a built-in sub-GHz radio that lets the device receive data (or transmit it, with the right firmware in approved regions) on the same wireless frequencies as keyfobs and other devices. Most traffic preemption devices intended for emergency traffic redirection don’t actually transmit signals over RF. Instead, they use optical technology to beam infrared light from vehicles to static receivers mounted on traffic light poles.
Perhaps the most well-known branding for these types of devices is called Opticom. Essentially, the tech works by detecting a specific pattern of infrared light emitted by the Mobile Infrared Transmitter (MIRT) installed in a police car, fire truck, or ambulance when the MIRT is switched on. When the receiver detects the light, the traffic system then initiates a signal change as the emergency vehicle approaches an intersection, safely redirecting the traffic flow so that the emergency vehicle can pass through the intersection as if it were regular traffic and potentially avoid a collision.
This seems easy to do, but it’s also very illegal. It’s called “impersonating an emergency vehicle,” and it comes with hefty penalties if you’re caught.
More Stories
US State CISOs Struggling with Insufficient Cybersecurity Funding
A Deloitte and NASCIO survey found that a third of state CISOs do not have a dedicated cybersecurity budget Read...
British man used genealogy websites to fuel alleged hacking and insider trading scheme
A London-based man is facing extradition to the United States after allegedly masterminding a scheme to hack public companies prior...
AI and the 2024 US Elections
For years now, AI has undermined the public’s ability to trust what it sees, hears, and reads. The Republican National...
Cyber-Attacks Hit Over a Third of English Schools
A survey by Ofqual found that 20% of English schools and colleges were unable to immediately recover after being hit...
PwC Urges Boards to Give CISOs a Seat at the Table
PwC claims fewer than 50% of businesses involve their CISOs in strategic planning on cyber Read More
UK and US Warn of Growing Iranian Spear Phishing Threat
Security agencies from the UK and US are urging individuals with Middle East links to beware of Iranian spear phishing...