| Born out of a problem in Google Chrome's microphone permissions policy, a bug in Chrome website can allow hackers to listen and record private conversations even after the tab is closed. The bug allows malicious sites to activate the user's microphone, and listen in on anything said around his/her computer, as long as Chrome is running even after they have closed those tabs. Further, the bug works even when a user takes any phone calls and conversations around the computer, he'she doesn't necessarily have to be using the computer. |  |
Developer Tal Ater bug first reported the bug in September. Goggle's engineer's were even able to isolate the problem, but even after 4 months the solution has not reached the desktop users.
Chrome has an in-built problem, once the user has given an HTTPS-enabled site permission to use your microphone, every feature on the site has complete permission. Further, Chrome does not give any visual indication that Speech Recognition is turned on which allows it to go undetected. User therefore have to manually revoke the microphone permission in order to remain 'safe'.
"We’ve re-investigated and still believe there is no immediate threat, since a user must first enable speech recognition for each site that requests it. The feature is in compliance with the current W3C standard, and we continue to work on improvements." a Google spokesperson said.
Hackers can change your Google Chrome into a listening device and record and compromise conversations in your home or office as long as Chrome is running. Beware!
