Do not type passwords in offices, new AI tool can steal your password by listening to your keyboard clicks
New research has unveiled a surprising threat to password security, as hackers can now use specialized technology to decipher passwords by listening to the quiet sounds keyboards make when typing. These "acoustic side-channel attacks" analyze keyboard sounds to piece together exact keystrokes, emphasizing the need for diversified typing methods and mixed character passwords as protective measures.
In Short
- Hackers can use specialized technology to decipher passwords by analyzing the sounds made by a keyboard while typing, according to a new study.
- Researchers conducted an experiment using a MacBook Pro and an iPhone to capture and analyze keyboard sounds, finding that an AI-driven program could accurately determine the keys pressed.
- Suggestions to protect passwords include varying typing patterns, using a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, and introducing background noise during video calls. Copy
When you are safeguarding your passwords, you might think about shielding your computer screen or keypad from prying eyes. But did you know that even the sounds your keyboard makes can put your passwords at risk? A new study has uncovered a surprising threat: hackers can use special technology to figure out your passwords by listening to the quiet sounds your keyboard makes when you type, as per a ZDnet report.
We often worry about people looking over our shoulders to steal our passwords. But this new danger takes a different approach. It's called an "acoustic side-channel attack," and it focuses on the sounds your keyboard makes as you type. By analyzing these sounds, hackers with advanced tools can piece together the exact letters and numbers you're typing, which could give them access to your accounts.
To understand just how serious this threat is, a team of experts conducted an eye-opening experiment. They used a powerful laptop, a MacBook Pro 16-inch. They placed a small iPhone 13 Mini just 17cm away on a soft cloth to capture the sounds of the keyboard. They also used the laptop's own recording function to catch the sounds.
All this recorded data was then used to teach a smart computer program driven by AI, how to understand the sounds of typing. Once trained, this AI was put to the test. It could successfully figure out what keys were being pressed with an astonishing accuracy of 95 per cent from the iPhone recording and 93 per cent from the laptop's recording.
But don't worry, there are ways to outsmart this sneaky trick. The researchers discovered some helpful tips to protect your passwords. You can mix up how you type, making it harder for the AI to catch on. Create passwords with a mix of big and small letters, and use the "shift" key to add extra layers of protection. And if you're on a video call, consider adding some background noise near your microphone to confuse any potential eavesdroppers.
In a world where technology keeps advancing, we need to stay one step ahead of new threats. While this discovery might sound alarming, it's also a reminder that we can find ways to work together with technology to keep our information safe. So, the next time you're typing away, remember that even the tiniest sounds can play a big role in keeping your digital life secure.
