The reasons for the attack and defense between the users of "hackers" home runners and the manufacturers who stop them.

J.D., who works in the construction industry. During his long vacation, Howard considered watching tutorial videos on cloud computing-related security. As a result, $4000 (about 456,000 yen) was spent on the Commercial X32i, a treadmill (treadmill) with a 32-inch NordicTrack (Nordic truck). The 32-inch HD screen is attractive because he thinks it's a good opportunity to exercise both physically and mentally.

Howard's plan for a short holiday is to watch technology-related videos on learning platforms such as "Pluralsight" and "Udemy" while exercising. However, runners seem to have a different idea.

The NordicTrack machine is equipped with a huge display. However, as a subscription to the exercise program offered by the parent company's iFit application, other apps and external videos are not available.

IFit includes an exercise class and a running course, which automatically changes the runner's tilt according to where the runner runs on the screen. However, many owners of NordicTrack runners, led by Howard, did not buy the company's machines because the iFit video was attractive. Commercial X32i was chosen because it can be very simple to "hack".

The existence of a "divine mode" that uses Android

All Howard did for the hacker Commercial X32i was to click on the touch monitor 10 times, wait 7 seconds and tap the monitor again 10 times. This allows you to unlock the machine and access the Android operating system.

If you can get this special access that can be said to be some kind of "divine mode", Howard can completely dominate the runners. For example, you can install applications informally through a built-in web browser, or access any Service online.

"there's nothing particularly difficult," Howard said. He installed a third-party browser from privileged mode to save his password, allowing him to launch his favorite security video about cloud computing.

NordicTrack does not promote this privileged mode as a regular function. However, its existence is not particularly secret. Several informal user guides explain how to access the machine's system because the support page of iFIt also contains practices.

The anger of users

Howard said he decided to buy the Commercial X32i because he had full access to "God mode." However, such "good times" did not last long.

Since October, NordicTrack has automatically updated all trainer software with large monitors, such as aerial motorcycles, cross-strainer and yacht machines, thus blocking access to privileged mode.

This measure caused outrage among users. And people are looking for ways to avoid automatic updates to try to fight back so that they can watch what they like while exercising.