Robots hacked with ransomware can curse, play porn, demand bitcoin

If you thought typical cyberattacks were scary, think again. Security researchers have discovered a new vulnerability in popular robots that allows hackers to manipulate how the robots talk, move and process information. Using a ransomware attack, cybercriminals can make robots angrily demand bitcoin as ransom for personal data, display hardcore porn and even insult you with curse words. The ransomware can be used to compromise both of SoftBank's humanoid robots, Pepper and NAO. Research firm IOActive discovered that popular humanoid robots like SoftBank's Pepper (pictured) and NAO are susceptible to ransomware attacks that control what they say and do For the study titled'Robots want bitcoin too', researchers from security firm IOActive installed malware on a two-foot-tall NAO Robot which changed the device from its usual, childlike nature to a menacing burglar.