Study: Hacking by Listening to Typing Sounds Now Possible

A recent study has revealed that it is possible to steal personal information by listening to people type on their keyboards. Researchers from the Southern Methodist University discovered that hackers have developed a new method that relies on keyboard sounds. This method can be done using the microphone of any smartphone. Through a smartphone mic, skillful hackers can pick up the sound of someone typing on a nearby computer. Then, they can examine the sound waves produced by the keys to decipher what words were typed on the keyboard. To test the effectiveness of this hacking technique, the researchers simulated a meeting in a conference room where people discussed out loud and took notes using laptops. Eight smartphones equipped with an artificial intelligence app for detecting keyboard sounds were placed in the room. The phones were placed from three inches to several feet away from the laptops. Results showed that the smartphones were able to intercept meeting notes from the participants’ laptops with 41% accuracy. It was also revealed that the technique could work even in noisy environments. Following this study, the researchers warned that hackers may use the method to obtain computer passwords, private messages, and sensitive information. People who are vulnerable to this type of hacking include those who usually work in public spaces, such as cafés, libraries, and public vehicles. To help counter attacks using this method, the researchers recommended using keyboard covers to soften or mute typing sounds. They also encouraged manufacturers to review their smartphone designs and ensure that hackers will not be able to take advantage of phone mics to spy on smartphone users.