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Former NSA cyberspy's not-so-secret hobby: Hacking Christmas lights

ID: 22b42746-75ee-5b2f-9977-0e39c9d9dbbf

STIX ID: report--22b42746-75ee-5b2f-9977-0e39c9d9dbbf

Feed Name: The Register (Security)

Date Published: 2024-12-25

Date Updated: 2026-04-26

Author: Iain Thomson

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This article interviews former NSA official Rob Joyce about his elaborate, computer-controlled Christmas light displays, describing his offline, Ethernet-based setup using open-source tools like xLights and Raspberry Pi, sequencing and audio/radio considerations, setup timelines, and community resources. It also highlights the expanding European hobbyist scene, where enthusiasts face regulatory hurdles, develop local controller boards, and balance showtimes with neighborhood impact while fostering community enjoyment.

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