It Looks Like a School Bathroom Smoke Detector. It Could Be an Audio Bug

13 pkaeding 10 8/15/2025, 5:47:26 PM wired.com ↗

Comments (10)

Animats · 6h ago
Here's the administrator's manual for the thing.[1]

Connecting to a HALO device can be done in two separate ways. It can be done with the HALO Device Manager HDM (see HDM Manual) which is the preferred method for setting up multiple HALOs at once. It can also be done by typing the HALO device’s IP address in Google Chrome. A popup will appear asking for a username and password. Type “admin” for the username and “changeme” for the password. Click “Sign in”.

What could possibly go wrong?

[1] https://www.dickerdata.com.au/hubfs/%2B%20New%20Zealand/%2B%...

Hizonner · 6h ago
If I recall correctly, the obviously incompetent clowns responsible for this device make most of their money in radio systems for public safety and critical industrial uses.
ManuelKiessling · 6h ago
I had a scary (and hopefully illogical) thought today: what’s stopping threat actors from selling SSDs that are „pimped“ with a SIM-card and some additional stuff, and phone home „interesting“ pieces from said SSD?
arcfour · 6h ago
The fact that it would be extremely expensive to do so for what could amount to $0 worth of valuable information for months or years, if ever?
cluckindan · 5h ago
arcfour · 4h ago
I don't think that is in any way related to the original comment.
cluckindan · 3h ago
Sure it is. There are plenty of players out there willing to invest in a long game of chance, if the potential payout is intelligence.
arcfour · 1h ago
They sure bungled that one then!
incone123 · 4h ago
In the movies they usually sneak in and replace your genuine gadget with a modified one. more effective use of resources.
pkaeding · 7h ago