I accidentally hacked a hotel switchboard

a year ago

The author accidentally hacked into a San Francisco hotel’s switchboard using an Alinco DJ-X3E scanner.
He intercepted various private conversations, including executive meetings, room service orders, and personal calls.
The hotel’s wireless phone system was broadcasting unencrypted signals on FM 46–49 MHz, making it easy to eavesdrop.
The incident occurred in 2004, shortly after 9/11, heightening the author’s anxiety about potential legal consequences.
The author, Munir Kotadia, is a cybersecurity journalist with a diverse background and a passion for radio scanning.
He reflects on his experiences as a refugee and technology journalist, highlighting the evolution of cyber threats.
This story is an extract from his book, 'A Million Years in Tech.'

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