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The Security Risk of Keyboard Clicks

Posted by simoniker on from the tap-tap-oops dept.

Gudlyf writes "First the blinking LED security issue, now this: listening to tell-tale keyboard clicks to decipher from afar what a person is typing. This isn't limited to just computer keyboards -- ATM's, telephone keypads, security doors, etc. Apparently with $200 worth of sound equipment and software, these keyboard clicks can be translated to within 80% accuracy. Of course, a whole lot of this is just theory."

11 of 361 comments (clear)

  1. Great... by ebob9 · · Score: 5, Funny

    Now when I log in to my account at work, instead of just needing password, secureid, smartcard, fingerscan, eyescan, and a note from my mother, I'll also need to use an on-screen touch-screen keyboard!

    Of course, someone will probably now figure out that tapped glass reverberates at a different frequency...

    1. Re:Great... by orangesquid · · Score: 4, Funny

      True. But you could also read the screen via Tempest-like technology!

      It seems that no matter what you do, we'll be screwed anyway. We might as well go to a trust-based system. How about everybody just changes all their passwords to 'secret'?

      --
      --TheOrangeSquid Is it any wonder things seem so awry? We swim in a sea of confusion and don't have to think to survive
    2. Re:Great... by MadBiologist · · Score: 5, Funny
      Darn.... now I'm gonna have to change my password.

      First somebody gives away the 12345, now secret.

      Sheesh.. What's this world coming too?

      -J-

      --
      'Quantum materiae materietur marmota monax si marmota monax materiam possit materiari?'
    3. Re:Great... by evil-osm · · Score: 4, Funny

      or you can just look for the smudge marks...

      --


      E.

      Never rub another man's rhubarb - The Joker
  2. "Of course, a whole lot of this is just theory." by REBloomfield · · Score: 4, Funny

    Sounds like bollocks to me. The amount of crumbs under my keys, I'd be mighty impressed if you got anything intelligble.

  3. This is easy to overcome by JosKarith · · Score: 4, Funny

    Al you have to do is install voice-recognition software, then train it to only understand you when you speak in a broad Glaswegian accent.
    Thereby ensuring NOBODY's going to be able to decipher a word you're saying.

    --
    'Don't worry' said the trees when they saw the axe coming, 'The handle is one of us.'
  4. Huh by finkployd · · Score: 4, Funny

    Wait, there is a theory that with $200 of equipment, you can get 80% accuracy on this. Is there any reason why this is still just a theory? Can anyone scrap together the $200 to test this theory?

    If only science weren't so expensive. Imagine how many other theories we could test if we could somehow get our hands on $500!

    Finkployd

  5. will never break my password by GarbanzoBean · · Score: 4, Funny

    I don't type my passwords. I use voice recognition software and just say them. No clicks to overhear baby!!!

    Doh

  6. In other news: by Big+Nothing · · Score: 4, Funny

    In other news: hackers can connect to the internet by whistling into the phone.

    --
    SIG: TAKE OFF EVERY 'CAPTAIN'!!
  7. Re:Security risks by the_mad_poster · · Score: 5, Funny

    Anywho, my girlfriend just yelled at me so I needed to vent.

    Huh? Quit making up words!

    --
    Alito: A vote for Alito is a punch in the eye to put that bitch back in her place!
  8. easy fix. by dj245 · · Score: 4, Funny

    what, you guys don't use a binary keyboard? 99 less keys to break.

    --
    Even those who arrange and design shrubberies are under considerable economic stress at this period in history.