Hackers hijack billboards to show porn, mock security saying anyone can do it

Hackers hijacked digital billboards across multiple countries last week, replacing regular advertisements with pornographic videos on public screens. The incidents were reported in Egypt, Malaysia and Brazil, with similar cases also emerging in Iraq and China. The hacking group behind the attacks has claimed that it took just a few hours to identify vulnerable systems and gain access to digital billboardsA group operating a Telegram channel called Leakers$ claimed responsibility for the attack, saying it had exploited vulnerabilities in the software used to remotely transmit content to LED screens.The most prominent incident took place on a large billboard overlooking the 26th of July Axis, one of Cairo's busiest highways. The hacked screen caught the attention of passing motorists, with several drivers stopping to record the footage. Videos shared on social media showed the words "Leaked by: Ch, 19ylegal never and nivex" appearing on the screen, along with the Telegram handle @LeakersGov, CNN reported.According to Egypt's Interior Ministry, the billboard belonged to an advertising company that had a contract with an international firm. The ministry said the international company's website had been targeted in a cyberattack, resulting in unauthorised footage being broadcast simultaneously in several countries. It did not identify the company or specify all the affected countries. Legal proceedings have since been initiated. The advertising company, Al Arabia United, meanwhile, said an unknown party had gained unauthorised access to one of its screens. It switched off the display as a precaution and began investigating the incident with the authorities.Similar incidents were reported in Malaysia, where the Kluang Municipal Council confirmed that several public LED screens in Johor had displayed obscene content. The council switched off the affected screens, while police opened investigations. In Brazil, an LED panel near the BR-343 highway in Campo Maior, Piaui, also displayed explicit footage. Its operator, Ferreira & Ferreira Publicidade e Comunicacao, confirmed a cyberattack, shut down the equipment and filed a police complaint.Who hacked the billboards?The hacking group operating the Telegram channel Leakers$ claimed responsibility for the attacks. The group said it found thousands of vulnerable systems in around two hours and also claimed to have hacked billboards in Iraq and China.How did the hackers take control of the screens?The group said it found weaknesses in the software used to send content to LED screens. It claimed some of these systems had weak security, making it easier to access and change what appeared on the displays.This meant the hackers did not need to physically reach the billboards. They could simply access the systems that remotely control the screens and replace the advertisements with their own videos.Mocking the security measures, the group said the hack was simple enough for "anyone with two brain cells". It accused advertising companies of spending millions on their infrastructure but failing to protect their internet-connected screens.The group said it was not looking for ransom or donations. Instead, it claimed the attack was meant to expose how easily poorly protected advertising screens could be hacked.- Ends