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Hack Air-Gapped Computers Using Heat

Posted by timothy on from the oh-baby-you're-so-communicative dept.

An anonymous reader writes Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU) researchers have discovered a new method to breach air-gapped computer systems called "BitWhisper," which enables two-way communications between adjacent, unconnected PC computers using heat. BitWhisper bridges the air-gap between the two computers, approximately 15 inches apart that are infected with malware by using their heat emissions and built-in thermal sensors to communicate. It establishes a covert, bi-directional channel by emitting heat from one PC to the other in a controlled manner. Also at Wired.

5 of 123 comments (clear)

  1. Skynet foiled by ceiling fan by Crashmarik · · Score: 5, Funny

    Film at 11:00

  2. goddamnit!!! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Informative

    they didn't "hack" the machine using heat!

    they gained control of both machines ahead of time, and THEN used heat (etc) to exfil data.

    they didn't gain control of an otherwise stock computer using heat over air gap. stop saying "hack".

    1. Re:goddamnit!!! by Lumpy · · Score: 5, Informative

      Just like the "hack using computer speakers" just install this malware first...

      It's an interesting out of band communications process, a very very VERY slow one... but still interesting.

      --
      Do not look at laser with remaining good eye.
  3. Re:Sure, great, new comms channel by Thanshin · · Score: 5, Funny

    The time it took them to increase the heat and transmit a 1 varied between three and 20 minute

    So, somewhere between Comcast's Standard and High Speed plans.

  4. Finally, malware that gives computers a fever. by Ihlosi · · Score: 5, Funny

    Now all those viruses can finally give your computer proper disease symptoms.