In an age where technology continues to integrate deeply into our daily lives, securing our personal information remains paramount.

A recent repor out of Cornell University reveals the potential dangers lurking in our very keystrokes. A groundbreaking study conducted by UK scholars, and published on August 3, unveils the capability of artificial intelligence (AI) to discern passwords based on the sound of one’s typing.

The researchers adeptly trained an AI model on audio recordings of individuals typing on keyboards. Remarkably, this AI was able to distinguish the unique sounds made by each keypress, an ability imperceptible to the human ear.

As they noted, “When typing a password, people will regularly hide their screen but will do little to obfuscate their keyboard’s sound.”

In their tests, a nearby phone’s integrated microphone, placed just 17 centimeters away, was used to listen to keystrokes on a 2021 MacBook Pro, as well as through Zoom and Skype calls.

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The model’s proficiency in identifying passwords was astoundingly high, boasting accuracy rates of 95%, 93%, and 91.7% respectively.

While many might consider this a mere novelty of modern AI capabilities, the implications are weighty. Cornell’s scholars shed light on the growing feasibility of what’s known as an “acoustic-based side-channel attack,” a method where hackers harness a device’s sounds to access information covertly.

Acoustic-based side-channel attack isn’t novel. Its roots trace back to 1950s British intelligence operatives who tapped into the sound emissions of Hagelin encryption devices to infiltrate the Egyptian embassy. America’s own National Security Agency had discussions about similar techniques as early as 1972.

Given today’s ubiquitous use of smartphones and laptops, the potential for misuse is concerning. The researchers caution, “In real-life scenarios, this attack could happen through malware on a nearby device with a microphone. It would collect your keystroke data and use AI to decipher your passwords.”

However, the study also provides a glimmer of hope, suggesting that varying typing styles and the use of both uppercase and lowercase letters in passwords could thwart such an attack. The shift key, they discovered, poses a unique challenge for the AI.

Furthermore, they advocate for technological adaptability. Touchscreen keyboards present a quieter alternative, and features like Touch ID offer methods to bypass traditional typing altogether.

In a time when our dependence on technology is ever-increasing, understanding and being vigilant about potential threats is key. It will be important to stay informed and to utilize appropriate means to keep your passwords and online information safe.

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