Researchers from Uruguay have improved a spying technique that relies on electromagnetic waves emitted by computer monitor cables. Using a neural network, they were able to decode the image displayed on the screen with much greater accuracy than any previous attacks of this kind.
Researchers from University of the Republic In Uruguay they have just discovered a new technique to spy on computers, even if they are disconnected from any network. deep stormIt consists of an analysis of Electromagnetic wavesElectromagnetic waves It comes from the display's HDMI cable and does not require a connection. physicalphysical.
Unlike some techniques,airair–gapgap Already known, such as using a fan, RAM, ultrasound or diodes, which still require malware to be installed, deep storm No prior access required. The only equipment required is a computer and a software-defined radio.
The first demo of Deep-Tempest, which has since been improved. © Federico LaRocca
More efficient technology thanks to artificial intelligence
Get a screenshot by capturing BroadcastBroadcast Electromagnetic cables are not a new technology, and they work even with connections. AnalogAnalog Like VGA. However, the image quality is poor, and the move to digital adds a new level of complexity. That's why researchers called for artificial intelligence. It led to a Neural networkNeural network On a large amount of data, both real and simulated, to teach the AI how to translate the captured signals into clear images.
On the text screen, only 30% of the characters were incorrect, a 60% improvement over previous versions. The result is text that is understandable to humans. It is enough to hide a small device near the computer, or even use an antenna outside the room, to spy on sensitive data, such as encrypted messages. It is possible to protect yourself by adding noise to the image or SlopeSlope to colorcolorThe researchers participated. Source codeSource code From the project On Github.
