Acoustic Side Channel Attacks

SIDE CHANNEL ATTACKS (SCAS)

• SCAs are a method of hacking a cryptographic algorithm based on the analysis of auxiliary systems used in the encryption method.
• These can be performed using a collection of signals emitted by devices, including electromagnetic waves, power consumption, mobile sensors, sound from keyboards and printers to target devices.
• Once collected, these signals are used to interpret signals that can be then used to compromise the security of a device.

ABOUT ACOUSTIC SIDE CHANNEL ATTACKS

• In an ASCA, the sound of clicks generated by a keyboard is used to analyse keystrokes and interpret what is being typed to leak sensitive information.
• These attacks are particularly dangerous as the acoustic sounds from a keyboard are readily available and because their misuse is underestimated by users.
• While most users hide their screens when typing sensitive information, no precautionary steps are taken to hide the sound of the keystrokes.
• Additionally, the use of laptops has increased the scope of ASCAs as laptop models have the same keyboard making it easier for AI-enabled deep learning models to pick up and interpret the acoustics.
• They have an accuracy beyond 90%.