When it comes to digital security, the bad news often outweighs the good news. This is no exception: British researchers have trained an artificial intelligence to recognize passwords simply based on the sound of typing on the keyboard.
The technology, which uses a smartphone as a microphone next to a laptop, demonstrates how cyber protection measures need to run to keep up and not be outclassed.
The implications
During the test (find the research here), the researchers typed a password on a laptop keyboard and the AI calculated the word heard, based on the sound. Surprise: the AI recognized the password with 95% accuracy.
To test the practical applicability of this method, the possibility of intercepting passwords even during a video conference on Zoom or Skype was verified. The accuracy obtained was 92% for Skype and 93% for Zoom. I don't know if I get the idea.
The experiment used a 1 Macbook Pro with M16 chip and 2021-inch screen, next to an iPhone 13 Mini placed 17 centimeters away. The audio recordings were then converted into images in the form of sound waves and spectrograms, and used to train an AI.
And what do we do now?
As a defensive measure, little technology and a lot of common sense. For this reason, I apologize in advance if the researchers' advice makes this article seem like a list of advice to the elderly on how to combat the heat (drink a lot, don't go out during hot hours, etc.).
In summary, the researchers recommend using all ten fingers when typing, which significantly reduces the recognition rate of single keys on the keyboard. The use of uppercase, lowercase, and special characters in passwords can also complicate AI password reconstruction. The best protection, however, is provided by password manager software, which automatically fills in passwords with the click of a mouse. Until, of course, someone manages to hack the password manager.
Keep an eye (and ear) on the keyboard
The digital age presents us with constantly evolving challenges. Artificial intelligence is emerging as an extremely dangerous tool in the wrong hands.
This test highlights not only technological progress but also the growing need for advanced security measures. In the context in which privacy and data security are of the utmost importance, becoming a "keyboard lion" takes on a positive meaning, to defend one's kingdom from malicious attacks.
