Archive · 20 Jan 2026
Hackers Can Hijack Earbuds to Spy
Researchers found a flaw in a system called Fast Pair that lets hackers take over your earbuds or speakers.
This can happen if you're near a hacker, and they can use your devices to listen to you, play sounds, or even track where you are.
Big companies like Sony, Google, and others are fixing this problem, but it shows that making things easy to use can sometimes make them less safe.
The hackers don't need to be very close, and they can take over your device in just a few seconds.
Google says they're working on making it safer, and some companies have already started fixing the problem.
Vulnerabilities in Fast Pair protocol allow hackers to hijack audio devices from multiple brands.
Attackers can take control of devices within 50 feet, enabling them to listen, inject audio, or track location.
Affected brands include Sony, Jabra, JBL, Marshall, Xiaomi, Nothing, OnePlus, Soundcore, Logitech, and Google.
Google confirmed the vulnerabilities but stated no evidence of active exploitation outside research settings.
Manufacturers are rolling out security patches to address the issues.
- Who
- Security researchers from KU Leuven University
- What
- Discovered vulnerabilities in Fast Pair protocol allowing device hijacking
- When
- Not specified
- Where
- Not specified
- Why
- To highlight security risks in convenience-focused wireless protocols
- Vulnerabilities Found In
- Fast Pair wireless protocol
- Affected Brands
- Sony, Jabra, JBL, Marshall, Xiaomi, Nothing, OnePlus, Soundcore, Logitech, Google
- Attack Range
- 50 feet
- Attack Time
- 10-15 seconds
- Potential Impacts
- Disrupt conversations, inject audio, track location, listen to surroundings
- Researchers
- KU Leuven University Computer Security and Industrial Cryptography group
- Google's Response
- Confirmed vulnerabilities, no evidence of active exploitation, pushed security patches