The Flipper Zero is a multi-tool digital hacking gadget with the capability of scanning and emulating a wide range of electronic signals, from turning on a TV, to copying and imitating a credit card’s RFID chip. And the tool is making it big on TikTok, as creators and hackers are showing off how it works.
The implications are concerning as more and more of our lives and personal data rely on systems that are so easily compromised. Tech TikTokers are showing off the abilities of the Flipper Zero to their followers, and it works a little too well for comfort. While most of the tech TikTokers are restricting their videos to legal activities, the Flipper Zero can and will be used for more nefarious purposes.
Flipper Zero claims on their website that “it loves hacking digital stuff, such as radio protocols, access control systems, hardware, and more.” It also appears to be very user-friendly when it comes to adding your own code. In their words, “you can extend it in whatever way you like.” Open invitations like that will surely be exploited.
Despite its shady potential, Flipper Zero is still legal and is developing apps with Apple and Android. Even if it becomes illegal the technology behind it is fairly easy to emulate, and with so much of our lives reliant on digital systems, it’s past time we started to make that technology safer. If a TikTok teen can hack your car, credit card, and key fob with the press of a button, how safe do you really feel?
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