Researchers hack wired keyboards, hijack keystrokes

The group of Swiss researchers say There are several ways to get the keys to the strikes the keyboard cable to measure the electromagnetic radiation when the pressure is the key.

In general, as well as a team of investigators from the security and encryption laboratory in Lausanne, Switzerland, found four different forms of partial or complete recovery Keystrokes with cables, keyboards up to a distance of 20 meters, even through walls.

Studies on the discovery will be published after peer review process. Team member Martin Sylvain Vuagnoux Pasini and explain the results:

To determine whether the cable keyboard and generate damage emanation, which measures the electromagnetic radiation emitted when pressure is the key. In analyzing the risks of radiation, usually used to control the pace and specific recipient. However, this method could not be better: The maximum does not include the universe, as well as a large amount of information is lost.

Our approach is to receive a signal from the antenna and work through the electromagnetic spectrum was arrested.

We found 4 different ways (including the fact that this attack. UPDF) full or partial recovery Keystrokes with cables, keyboards up to a distance of 20 meters, even through walls. We tested 11 different models of the keyboard with a cable purchased between 2001 and 2008 (PS / 2, USB and headphones). All of them are vulnerable and at least one of the 4-attacks.

We concluded that the keyboard cable is sold in stores generate damage emanation (mainly due to cost pressures in the construction). Thus, it is not safe for the transmission of information. There is no doubt that the attack could be improved to great extent, because they use relatively inexpensive equipment.

Panel to release two videotapes on the Internet (here and here) that the results of the investigation.