Cybercriminals exploit smart devices and AI to target users

Cybercriminals are increasingly utilizing smart home devices and artificial intelligence to conduct sophisticated attacks. In France, a cyberattack in October 2026 targeted cooling systems in approximately 400 supermarkets, causing temperature fluctuations that forced the disposal of food and resulted in millions of euros in damages. Many of the affected devices were older models that no longer received security updates.

Beyond physical infrastructure, household items such as cameras, Wi-Fi routers, and smart TVs can be compromised through default passwords, outdated software, and unpatched vulnerabilities. These breaches allow hackers to monitor private lives, steal personal data, or enlist devices into botnets.

Furthermore, the rise of AI-driven tools, including Deepfake technology for mimicking voices and images, has enabled advanced psychological manipulation. Law enforcement officials in Vietnam have noted that even tech-savvy younger generations are vulnerable to these non-technical scams, such as fake kidnapping scenarios, where criminals use stolen personal data to create highly personalized and convincing fraudulent situations.