Tech Xplore: UC research explores security of smart speakers

UC is investigating the vulnerabilities of these ubiquitous devices

TechXplore examined research by computer scientists at the University of Cincinnati to improve security of smart speakers such as Amazon's Alexa and Google Home.

UC's College of Engineering and Applied Science assistant professor Boyang Wang received a two-year grant of $175,000 from the National Science Foundation to examine vulnerabilities that could allow hackers to take command of these ubiquitous speakers.

"People use them every day. It's convenient. On the other hand, we don't have a good understanding of the vulnerabilities they have," Wang said.

Read the full story in UC News.

Featured image at top: More than 157 million smart speakers are found in homes and offices in the United States. Photo/Yasin Hasan/Unsplash

More CEAS research in the news

Related Stories

1

Defying the demographic cliff

October 7, 2026

Despite the looming demographic cliff, the University of Cincinnati and five other major Greater Cincinnati universities grew enrollment this fall, with UC reaching a record 54,437 students, helped by strong first-year demand.

2

FAA turns to AI to reform air traffic control

October 6, 2026

WKRC Local 12 turned to an aerospace engineering professor at the University of Cincinnati to explain the risks and benefits of a proposal by the Federal Aviation Administration to use artificial intelligence to revamp air traffic control in the United States.

3

Digging into the bedrock of Cincinnati

October 5, 2026

Cincinnati magazine turns to University of Cincinnati Professor Carlton Brett to explain what Cincinnati was like as a shallow sea during the Ordovician period.