Yarbo, the company behind a robot lawn mower that gained attention for security vulnerabilities, has reversed course on a controversial feature. The firm now plans to completely remove the remote backdoor access that could have allowed unauthorized users to reprogram its robots over the internet.
In a statement to The Verge, Yarbo co-founder Kenneth Kohlmann confirmed that customers will have the choice to install the feature—or skip it entirely.
This move comes after Yarbo had already committed on Friday to addressing multiple security flaws. The changes include closing vulnerabilities that security researcher Andreas Makris exploited to remotely hijack the robotic mowers from across the globe. The flaws also exposed user email addresses and GPS locations.
Related articles
Meta Ray-Ban Display Glasses Now Support Gesture-Based Messaging in WhatsApp, Messenger, and More
Meta is rolling out new features to its Meta Ray-Ban Display smart glasses, including bringing the ability to write messages just with hand gestures t...
Fired IT Workers Accidentally Record Own Database Sabotage via Active Teams Call
Perhaps you remember Muneeb and Sohaib Akhter, the 34-year-old twin brothers we profiled earlier this week. Although they had the tech chops to commit...
OpenAI Integrates Codex into ChatGPT Mobile App, Expanding AI Coding Capabilities
OpenAI is going to let users access Codex, its desktop AI tool that can write code and use apps on your computer, from the ChatGPT app on your phone....
Colorado's Age-Gating Bill Sparks Backlash from Linux Developers Over Privacy Concerns
In January, Colorado lawmakers introduced a proposal to make operating systems collect users' ages and pass them to app developers. The bill, SB26-051...
Windows 11 BitLocker Bypassed by Zero-Day Exploit 'YellowKey' in Seconds
A zero-day exploit circulating online allows people with physical access to a Windows 11 system to bypass default BitLocker protections and gain compl...
Esports World Cup Relocates from Riyadh to Paris Amid Middle East Uncertainty
Uncertainty in the Middle East is apparently forcing the location change.
Interactive Map Reveals Google's Data Center Expansion in Oregon Amid Land Use Debate
An interactive map tracking data center construction and AI policy, built by Isabelle Reksopuro. When Oregon resident Isabelle Reksopuro heard Google...
OpenAI Confirms No User Data Accessed in ChatGPT Mac App Security Breach
OpenAI found no evidence that user data was accessed.