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China is spying on you through your KETTLE: Bugs that scan wi-fi devices found in imported kitchen gadgets

Simon Tomlinson

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Nov. 22, 2014

 
  • 20 to 30 appliances 'had hidden chips that send out malware to networks'
  • Comes as EU probes claims Russia tried to steal data from G20 leaders

Russian investigators claim to have found household appliances imported from China which contain hidden microchips that pump spam data and malware into wi-fi networks.

Authorities in St Petersburg allegedly discovered 20 to 30 kettles and irons with 'spy microchips that send some data to the foreign server', according to Russian media.

The revelation comes just as the EU launches an investigation into claims that Russia itself bugged gifts to delegates at last month's G20 summit in an attempt to retrieve data from computers and telephones.

 
Kitchen espionage: Kettles imported to Russia from China with hidden microchips which can send spam data and possibly steal information have allegedly been found by authorities in St Petersburg

Kitchen espionage: Kettles imported to Russia from China with hidden microchips which can send spam data and possibly steal information have allegedly been found by authorities in St Petersburg

 

This has led to speculation that the chips allegedly found in the home appliances may also have the ability to steal data and send it back to Chinese servers.

The allegations against the Chinese were made in St Petersburg news outlet Rosbalt, which quotes a source from customs broker Panimport, but does not detail what data was being sent or to where.

According to The Register, which translated the article, it would be possible to build a malicious microchip - sometimes referred to as a spambot or spybot - small enough to hide in a kettle.