Hackers can infect network-connected wrenches to install ransomware | Researchers identify 23 vulnerabilities, some of which can exploited with no authentication::Researchers identify 23 vulnerabilities, some of which can exploited with no authentication.
Ok. Why tf does a wrench need to be network connected?
I’m assuming it’s a torque wrench, which can apply variable force to a bolt.
Scan a barcode next to the hole, insert bolt, wrench applies correct force for the piece.
They can also similarly check the tightness of the bolt and record what it measured for quality control.
Every bolt doesn’t use the same torque, and manually inputting the value is slower and more error prone.
Similarly, checking the torque and recording that it was correct and fixing any errors is slower and more error prone with manual lookup.
For efficiency and quality of service. If you have to tighten a hundreds of fasteners with specific amounts of torque then this would make the work go much more quicker than using a manual torque wrench.
That does not require an internet connection.
Network connection isn’t the same as Internet connection.
It’s to avoid the worker needing to manually input the torque for each bolt, and it can also be used to record the torque as part of inspection.
You’re right, something like what I described wouldn’t necessarily need networking to work like that. However, think if you had to manage 100 or more of these devices for people in an assembly plant. Deploying new torque specs to all of the workers’ tools wirelessly would be much faster than having them bring them in individually after each batch job had been completed.
For firmware updates I guess (/s)
Because nobody funds hardware if they can’t get MRR.
I have no earthly idea, but feels like “‘Cuz we can”.