Smart TV Hacking: A visual representation of the risks associated with IoT devices with IR remote control, showing data being stolen from a smart TV.

IoT Security Nightmare: How Your Smart Devices Could Be Spying on You

Lena Kashyap in Tech & Innovation June 2025 • 4 min read.

"Uncover the hidden risks of IoT devices supporting IR remote control and how they can be exploited for data breaches."

In today's hyper-connected world, the Internet of Things (IoT) has woven itself into the fabric of our daily lives. From smart thermostats to voice-activated assistants, these devices promise convenience and efficiency, transforming our homes and workplaces into futuristic hubs. However, lurking beneath this glossy surface of technological marvel lies a growing concern: security vulnerabilities that could turn our beloved gadgets into tools for espionage.

While we often think of hackers targeting our computers and smartphones, a less obvious threat is emerging through IoT devices equipped with infrared (IR) remote control capabilities. These devices, designed to simplify our lives by controlling appliances like TVs and air conditioners, can be exploited to leak sensitive data from even the most secure, air-gapped networks.

Imagine a scenario where a seemingly innocuous smart TV is used to extract confidential information from a highly secure computer network, all without a single direct internet connection. This isn't a scene from a spy movie; it's a real possibility highlighted by recent research into the potential risks of IoT devices supporting IR remote control.

The Silent Threat: How IR Remote Control Opens a Backdoor

Smart TV Hacking: A visual representation of the risks associated with IoT devices with IR remote control, showing data being stolen from a smart TV.

Infrared (IR) remote control technology has been a staple in our lives for decades, offering a simple and reliable way to manage nearby electronic devices. However, the very simplicity that makes IR so appealing also makes it vulnerable. Unlike more sophisticated communication methods, IR signals lack authentication or identification protocols, meaning any device within range can potentially control another.

This lack of security becomes particularly concerning when IoT devices with IR capabilities are connected to the internet. Researchers have demonstrated how malicious actors can exploit these devices to create covert channels, using IR signals to transmit sensitive data from air-gapped networks – systems physically isolated from the internet for security purposes.

Malicious IR Hardware Module (MIRM): A custom-built device, implanted into a keyboard or other peripheral, can intercept sensitive data from a connected computer.
Air-Gapped Network Breach: The MIRM then converts this data into IR signals, mimicking remote control commands for nearby IoT devices.
Data Exfiltration: The compromised IoT device, such as a smart TV, transmits the data to an external server via its internet connection, bypassing the air gap's security measures.

In a controlled experiment, researchers successfully extracted data from a smart TV set-top box at a rate of 3.15 bits per second. While seemingly slow, this is more than enough to transmit passwords, encryption keys, or other critical information over time. This highlights the urgent need to address the security vulnerabilities in IoT devices with IR remote control capabilities.

Protecting Yourself: Countermeasures Against IR Remote Control Exploits

The good news is that steps can be taken to mitigate the risks associated with IoT devices and IR remote control. These countermeasures fall into several categories, from design improvements to user behavior modifications. By implementing a combination of these strategies, we can significantly reduce the likelihood of our smart devices being used against us. First, update your IoT devices regularly to patch any security vulnerabilities. Secondly, covering unused LEDs on devices can prevent data leakage. Lastly, be cautious about granting unnecessary permissions to IoT devices, and monitor their network activity for any suspicious behavior.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1016/j.comnet.2018.11.014, Alternate LINK

Title: Potential Risk Of Iot Device Supporting Ir Remote Control

Subject: Computer Networks and Communications

Journal: Computer Networks

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Authors: Zheng Zhou, Weiming Zhang, Shangbin Li, Nenghai Yu

Published: 2019-01-01

Everything You Need To Know

Why are IoT devices with Infrared (IR) remote control capabilities particularly vulnerable to security threats?

IoT devices that support Infrared (IR) remote control can be exploited because IR signals lack authentication protocols. This means any device within range can potentially control another, creating a vulnerability where malicious actors can use these devices to transmit sensitive data from air-gapped networks. The absence of security measures in IR technology makes it a weak point in the security of IoT ecosystems.

What role does a Malicious IR Hardware Module (MIRM) play in exploiting IoT devices for data breaches?

A Malicious IR Hardware Module (MIRM) is a custom-built device implanted into a peripheral like a keyboard. It intercepts sensitive data from the connected computer and converts this data into IR signals, mimicking remote control commands. These signals are then picked up by nearby IoT devices with IR capabilities, which transmit the data to an external server via their internet connection, bypassing the air gap's security measures. The MIRM acts as a bridge between the secure network and the outside world.

What are some effective countermeasures to protect against the exploitation of IR remote control in IoT devices?

Countermeasures include regularly updating IoT devices to patch security vulnerabilities, physically covering unused LEDs on devices to prevent data leakage, being cautious about granting unnecessary permissions to IoT devices, and monitoring their network activity for suspicious behavior. These strategies aim to reduce the attack surface and potential for exploitation of IR remote control capabilities.

At what rate can sensitive data be extracted from a smart TV using IR remote control exploits, and why is this significant?

The rate at which data can be extracted from a compromised IoT device using IR remote control was demonstrated at 3.15 bits per second. While this may seem slow, it is sufficient to transmit sensitive information such as passwords, encryption keys, or other critical data over time. This highlights the potential for significant data breaches, even with seemingly low data transfer rates.

What are the broader implications of exploiting IR remote control in IoT devices for data security and network infrastructure?

The exploitation of IR remote control in IoT devices has significant implications for the security of sensitive data and critical infrastructure. The ability to breach air-gapped networks, which are designed to be isolated from external threats, demonstrates a serious vulnerability. This could lead to espionage, theft of intellectual property, or even sabotage of critical systems. Addressing these vulnerabilities is crucial to protect against potential attacks targeting IR-enabled IoT devices.