The digital world is witnessing a surge in a novel data theft technique that leverages HDMI cables, making it increasingly easier for data thieves to spy on screens, monitors, and even smart TVs.
This method, while not entirely remote, could enable hackers to steal passwords, data, or any other information transmitted via an HDMI cable with a higher degree of precision than previously anticipated.
According to The Blaze, the University of the Republic in Uruguay has confirmed that this technique is already in use, and governments are cognizant of its existence. "A new avenue for governments and criminals to spy on your data," is how this emerging threat is being described.
The method involves hackers planting a discreet signal-capturing device within a building or target area to gather electromagnetic signals. Alternatively, a radio antenna could be used to intercept signals from HDMI cables outside a government installation. The HDMI signals emit some electromagnetic radiation transmitted between the source and the display. Hackers then capture these signals, extract the data, and decipher it.
The Uruguayan research team has developed an artificial intelligence model that can decipher intercepted signals based on existing samples of electromagnetic radiation. This has led to the reconstruction of HDMI signals to 70% completion, reportedly sufficient to read what was on the screen.
Peter Gietl, managing editor at Return, warned, "Your HDMI being hacked is a new avenue for governments and criminals to spy on your data. Although it remains to be seen how effective this attack will be, there is a wide variety of ways for nefarious actors to access your private information. Unfortunately, if the NSA really wants your data, they will most likely be able to get to it."
Historically, it was simpler to steal signals during the era of analog video. Video cables of previous generations had even greater amounts of leakage, but the advent of HDMI made those signals more contained and more challenging to decipher when captured.
Federico Larroca, the lead researcher, stated that "governments are worried about" HDMI data extraction. However, he added that agencies dealing with sensitive data likely already have measures in place to shield their facilities against such exploitations related to electromagnetic signals. Despite the significant cost, Larroca believes that such protective measures are worth the investment.
Login