No. The product is going to be out of warranty, the manufacturer is going to refuse to replace the device, and suddenly a customer is out hundreds or thousands

No. The product is going to be out of warranty, the manufacturer is going to refuse to replace the device, and suddenly a customer is out hundreds or thousands of dollars out of their own pocket. IoT devices are not cheap. I find it reprehensible that the Gizmodo author (who is using his position as a journalist to encourage criminals) and HN commenters are applauding this hacker as if he's a hero of the people, fighting for a better future. He's directly harming individuals who have purchased products. This is not a friendly reminder to manufacturers to get their shit together. It's some guy illegally connecting to, taking control of, and bricking computers. I've seen him referred to as a greyhat. No. Everything about this is strictly blackhat. This hacker deserves prison time. What a piece of lowlife scum. It really does sound like a 15 year old getting off on making waves, rather than someone who gives a damn about security.