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Posted on 08/22/2026 9:56:10 AM PDT by DUMBGRUNT
A software engineer trying to control his DJI ROMO robot vacuum with a PlayStation controller accidentally discovered access to roughly 7,000 devices across 24 countries.
So, you know one drone can look in your backyard,
But a robot vacuum can go throughout your entire house, right?
And if that robot vacuum has cameras, a microphone, room mapping, cloud connectivity and a backend that treats authorization like a side quest.
Congratulations, man. You didn't just buy a vacuum cleaner You bought a rolling surveillance package with a mop. Wow.
And I just want to get on this thing. Why the hell did DJI build a freaking robot with a microphone? I can only think of one reason they put a microphone in that robot, and that's to like listen to you.
(Excerpt) Read more at youtu.be ...
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"Who Watches the Watchers"
Cameras and a microphone in a Roomba?
Aw, that's what they said about recent models of cars and trucks that emit electronic information to sensors on the sides of roads and highways.
Then a person can be told "Fork over the blackmail cash or we'll reveal to your wife all the trips you made to your girlfriend.
Or like the man on the radio who said he and his friend were in his living room discussing whether he should choose a certain Caribbean vacation. Soon after one started getting Caribbean vacation ads and emails. "I was not on my phone to him, or using my laptop. This could only mean the camera and microphone on my new smart TV was observing us and sending data."
It turns out there is no reason to be concerned, I just asked Alexa if we should have any concerns regarding the cameras and listening devices in our homes, and it said no.
My wife and her friend were talking about Uber (what it costs, how it works, etc.) with their cellphones in their purses and started getting ads about Uber. There is a reason you can no longer take the battery off your cellphone.
Most people can't do all of this, especially blocking MAC addresses or statically assigned IPs, on in-house networked items.
I blocked my Epson printer / scanners, years ago, after noting that, even though I configured it for no Internet use, over 1 gigabyte had transmitted over the Internet, thanks to viewing the individual inbound/outbound traffic for that printer's MAC address, later that day.
Don't trust your devices, folks. Use independent tooling, where possible. I even separately use my single Ring internal camera the same way, blocking its MAC address from Internet access until leaving on vacation. I have a separate complete alarm system through SimpliSafe that has no camera and has a backup cell option.
Pick your “parts,” carefully.
If I’m driving, then my phone is in a faraday bag. My Dad and I tested it. It really works.
Routers will often let you block Internet access at a device level, through child safety controls. Just tell your router your thermostat, sprinkler, and printer (and Ring camera meant only for vacation monitoring) are all kids and you permanently block them from the Internet.
No issues, then.
“I just asked Alexa if we should have any concerns regarding the cameras and listening devices in our homes, and it said no.”
Mine said, “We’re your friends. You have nothing to worry about.”
I opt out of most of that stuff. Certainly no Roomba or Nest Thermostat or Ring camera.
My Fujitsu scanner is connected by USB. My HP Color LaserJet 1518ni LaserJet is on year 16 with no signs of giving up the ghost, and doesn’t even call HP for supplies.
No Windows 11. No Android. Ubuntu, iOS, MacOS, Win10 Pro gaming box for son.
TV is a 2004 model with no web mode.
Camera on desktop PC is generally unplugged or at least with lens cover.
I know there are still vulnerabilities. I do not use a VPN as often as I might. The ISP is always a suspect. iOS is better than Android, but far from perfect, so I avoid apps and run most stuff through a pretty secure browser.
It is too bad that personal computers are no longer personal.
They need to stop those apps from background processing (always on and running) and block the microphone to those apps, if not needed. At least if the background processing is turned off, the app is not running until it is rotated to the active one on the screen.
I keep my dust bunnies numbered for just such an emergency.
I just asked Alexa if we should have any concerns regarding the cameras and listening devices in our homes, and it said no.
Well, that settles it!
I was on the phone with my Vanguard advisor last week and he heard the Alexa in the background and stopped the conversation asking if I approved of the conversation continuing with an Alexa in the room. I suspect my Alexa would have agreed with yours - or maybe they’re the same... one being - and would have said ‘no problem’. Then again Alexa might be the one AI that morphs into the ‘good AI’ that saves us... could happen.
Those people have breezed past stupid, given moron a high five, leaped over imbecile and are currently frenching idiot.
I have to be careful how I phrase things around "some" family and friends. A few might think I am talking to my router.
That said, one of my favorite computer help-desk stories from back in the day.
When printers used to come with the old CD printer driver info. A person contacted the help desk after "following" the directions. The printer user guide stated "show your computer your new printer." Instead of inserting the CD, she turned the monitor towards the new printer.
Anyone who argues against me for being anti-tech should watch this X Files episode. Bad title, sadly, but shows the real way we are now becoming.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8cosqCKuhAI&t=56s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uV9ZDF09pkY
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rm9sbG93ZXJz
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