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.
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
7th Space: Researchers examine security of voice-activated speakers
Bioengineer.org: UC to use NSF grant to study security of smart speakers
Science Magazine: Hey, Alexa, who else is listening right now?
Related Stories
How a SCOTUS decision could impact a Cincinnati ban
May 6, 2026
Ryan Thoreson, associate professor at the University of Cincinnati College of Law, spoke to WVXU's Cincinnati Edition about a Cincinnati ban on conversion therapy in light of a recent Supreme Court ruling.
What can oral health tell us about kidney health?
May 6, 2026
A recent article published in BMC Nephrology points to a connection between oral health and kidney health, citing evidence analyzed by University of Cincinnati College of Medicine researchers. The article shows an association between oral diseases and chronic kidney disease. Priyanka Gudsoorkar, assistant professor-educator in the Department of Environmental and Public Health Sciences, recently appeared on Cincinnati Edition on 91.7 WVXU News, to discuss the latest findings.
Supreme Court to hear case involving religious preschools
May 6, 2026
Ryan Thoreson, an associate professor at the University of Cincinnati College of Law, spoke to Newsweek about the Supreme Court agreeing to hear a new case filed by Catholic preschools in Colorado.