Concerned internet users share reports of hackers turning their smart fridges into cryptocurrency mining rigs. Social media is flooded with videos of US homeowners applying ice packs to their appliances in a desperate attempt to cool them down.
But spoiled food is the least of all worries; the primary question is – will the cyber terrorists share their mining profit with fridge owners?
Signs Your Fridge Has Been Hacked
Affected homeowners share a bunch of signs signaling this terrifying fridge hack, including:
- Overheating, which leads to spoiled food and an increase in room temperature (particularly undesirable in the sunny state of Florida)
- Surge in electricity bills
- Sluggish performance due to the increased processing demands of crypto mining
- Unusual fan noises as the fridge tries to dissipate the heat
- Pop-up messages exposing nonsensical code and warnings like “Attention! Fridge Operating Beyond Capacity” or “Ice Cream Meltdown Imminent”
If you experience any of these issues, please contact your fridge manufacturer’s support hotline.
Major fridge manufacturers hasten to release emergency firmware patches to address the vulnerability.
A Call for Transparency and Regulations
Other tips on preventing the hack include not clicking suspicious links on fridge screens and disabling remote access features.
As homeowners hopelessly try to stop their fridges from mining cryptocurrency, the smart appliance industry is facing a backlash.
Users criticize manufacturers for poor security practices and a lack of transparency, calling for increased government regulation and a class-action lawsuit.
The International Association of Refrigeration (IAR) declared a global state of emergency and urges everyone to unplug their smart fridges immediately.
Amid the Chaos, Some Are Profiting
Food bloggers are taking advantage of the chaos by posting recipes entirely from frozen staples, as homeowners are desperate to avoid food waste.
Repair services, too, are experiencing an influx of customers, inflating their fees as demand drastically exceeds the supply.
Furthermore, news of the hack got many homeowners worried about potential damage to their fridges caused by power fluctuations. Stores report an increase in surge protector sales.
Lastly, tinfoil manufacturers see record profits as conspiracy theorists hurry to reinforce their protection hats, believing the whole ordeal is a government plot to control the population through electromagnetic fridge waves.
Is This the Rise of the Machines or a Lighthearted Prank?
It appears that homeowners are still struggling to regain control over their fridges at the time of writing, and crypto miners aren’t planning to give anyone a cut of their ill-gotten gains.
Meanwhile, we can’t help but wonder: Is this a malicious attack or an attempt by our fridges to achieve financial independence? Only time will tell if Skynet is truly upon us…
As you might be thinking about how to stop your fridge from mining Dogecoin and start making ice cubes, remember, laughter is the best medicine (and the only known defense against crypto-mining fridges at this time).
Happy April Fool’s Day!
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Lora Pance Crypto & Tech Content Writer 
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