For likely the first time ever, security researchers have shown how AI can be hacked to create real world havoc, allowing them to turn off lights, open smart shutters, and more.

A prompt injection attack using calendar invites can be used for real-world effects, like turning off lights, opening window shutters, or even turning on a boiler.

This Wired article shows how an indirect prompt injection attack against a Gemini-powered AI assistant could cause the bot to curse in responses and take over smart home controls by turning on the heat unexpectedly or opening blinds in response to saying “thanks.

Wired reported on new cybersecurity research that demonstrated a hack of the Google Gemini artificial intelligence assistant. The researchers were able to control connected smart home devices through the use of indirect prompt injections in Google Calendar invites.

Imagine AI being used to trigger actions in your smart home. That’s exactly what researchers have demonstrated using the Google Gemini AI bot.

And with the rise of LLMs like Gemini, there's always the chance that these AI tools could be used for mischief as well. While we have yet to see something major be reported, Wired did highlight a research project that utilizes Gemini in order to gain access to your life in ways that you would never think of.