ACOUSTIC SIDE CHANNEL ATTACKS – SECURITY

News: What are Acoustic Side Channel Attacks and how is AI used to increase its accuracy? 

 

What's in the news?

       Acoustic Side Channel Attacks are not new; however, use of AI deep learning can now be used to crack passwords by analysing keyboard strokes.

 

Acoustic Side Channel Attacks (ASCAs):

       An Acoustic Side Channel Attack (ASCA) is a type of cybersecurity attack that exploits sound or acoustic signals to gather sensitive information.

       ASCA involves analyzing keyboard clicks to interpret keystrokes and leak sensitive info.

       The danger lies in easily available keyboard sounds and users underestimating their misuse.

       Users often shield screens when typing sensitive data, but keystroke sounds remain unprotected.

       Keyboard click sounds have reduced with non-mechanical keyboards, but acoustic tech has improved.

       Laptop usage expands ASCA scope due to uniform keyboard models aiding AI-enabled interpretation.

 

Go back to basics:

Side Channel Attacks (SCAs):

       SCAs involve hacking cryptographic algorithms by analyzing auxiliary systems in the encryption method.

       These attacks use signals emitted by devices like electromagnetic waves, power consumption, mobile sensors, and sounds from keyboards and printers.

       These signals, once collected, are interpreted to compromise device security.