New research suggests it is possible to eavesdrop on computers by watching the flicker of light emitting diodes (LED) lights.
A paper, Information Leakage from Optical Emanations, by Joe Loughry of Lockheed Martin Space Systems in Denver and David Umphress of Auburn University in Alabama, explains how it is possible to correlate the flash of LEDs with the information flowing through a device.
The findings indicate the software-controlled LEDs can carry a modulated optical signal, echoing the flow of data.
This means attackers could gain access to classified information just by watching and de-coding the light and could mean many millions of devices are vulnerable.
Many different sorts of devices, including modems and internet protocol routers, were found to be vulnerable to what the researchers describe as an "Optical Tempest" attack.
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