AI Can Now Steal Your Passwords by Listening to Your Keystrokes
In the past, hackers had to use keyloggers to steal passwords. Keyloggers are devices or software that record every keystroke you make on your keyboard. This allows hackers to see everything you type, including your passwords.
However, keyloggers are becoming increasingly difficult to use. Many security software programs now detect and block keyloggers. Additionally, people are becoming more aware of the threat of keyloggers and are taking steps to protect themselves.
This is where AI comes in. Researchers have developed AI algorithms that can identify passwords by listening to the sound of your keystrokes. This type of attack is called an acoustic side channel attack (ASCA).
In an ASCA attack, the attacker uses a microphone to record the sound of your keyboard. The AI algorithm then analyzes the audio recording to determine which keys you are pressing. This can be done even if your screen and keyboard are not visible to the attacker.
A recent study by researchers at Durham University, University of Surrey, and Royal Holloway University of London found that AI can accurately identify passwords with an accuracy rate of up to 95%. This means that an attacker could potentially steal your password by simply listening to you type it.
The study also found that ASCA attacks are more effective in noisy environments. This is because the noise helps to mask the sound of your keystrokes, making it more difficult for the AI algorithm to make mistakes.
The rise of ASCA attacks is a serious threat to password security. It is important to take steps to protect yourself from these attacks. Here are a few tips:
- Do not type your passwords in public places. If you must type your password in public, make sure that your screen and keyboard are not visible to others.
- Use a strong password manager. A password manager can help you generate and store strong passwords for all of your online accounts.
- Change your passwords regularly.This will make it more difficult for attackers to crack your passwords, even if they have already stolen some of them.
- Be aware of the signs of an ASCA attack. If you notice that your computer is running slowly or making strange noises, it could be a sign that an attacker is trying to steal your passwords.
By following these tips, you can help to protect yourself from ASCA attacks and keep your passwords safe.
Additional Resources
- How AI Can Now Steal Your Passwords by Listening to Your Keystrokes: https://www.pcmag.com/news/ai-can-now-steal-your-passwords-by-listening-to-your-keystrokes
- AI Can Identify Passwords by Sound of Keys Being Pressed: https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2023/aug/08/ai-could-identify-passwords-by-sound-of-keys-being-pressed-study-suggests
- How to Stop AI From Cracking Your Password: https://www.businessnewsdaily.com/ai-password-security-threat