AI can "listen" to keystrokes to steal passwords and data

August 15, 2023 05:42

As you type a password on your computer, AI listens to every keystroke and guesses exactly what you're typing.

Protect yourself and your data from hackers

According to a new study by researchers at Cornell University (USA), this is not a science fiction scenario but a real possibility. Accordingly, taking advantage of artificial intelligence (AI), hackers can steal user data with just a keystroke.

Researchers have discovered that AI can listen to the keystrokes you make on your computer and steal your passwords and other sensitive data with up to 95 percent accuracy, according to Fox News.

How does AI eavesdrop on keyboards?

When the researchers tested an AI model that listened to keystrokes, they trained the model on the intensity, waveform, and timing of each keystroke. The model listened to keystrokes on a MacBook Pro and was able to repeat them with up to 95 percent accuracy.

However, to let the model focus on the intensity, waveform, and timing of each keystroke, the AI analyzes how you type, not how loud the keyboard sounds when you type.

So there's no need to rush out and buy a whole new keyboard that you think will sound quieter than the one you already have.

The team also tested the theory on a Zoom call and a Skype call, and each call ended with the AI model reproducing keystrokes with more than 90% accuracy.

This means AI could potentially steal your passwords or other sensitive data just by listening to your keystrokes, even if you don't show your screen or keyboard during a video call.

This is a serious security threat that can expose your account to hackers.

Specifically, hackers can install malware on a device with a microphone, such as a laptop or smartphone. The malware will collect data from your keystrokes and feed them to an AI model.

The model will then use the device's microphone to listen for and repeat those keystrokes to retrieve your password or other data.

Steps to stay safe

Use strong and unique passwords

Use strong, unique passwords for online accounts and change them periodically.

Use a password manager

Password managers are important tools in preventing AI intrusion.

First, it consolidates all your passwords and autofills them into login fields, eliminating the need for you to remember or manually enter them. This reduces the possibility of AI detecting or predicting keystrokes.

Second, a password manager will generate and protect complex passwords for every account. This means that even if a hacker compromises one password, your other accounts will remain safe and unaffected.

Use 2-factor authentication

Another way to help prevent AI from stealing your password is to use 2-factor authentication. Having 2-factor authentication adds an extra layer of protection, preventing AI from breaking into your account even if it correctly guesses a keystroke.

Install good antivirus software on all devices

Antivirus software will ensure you don't click on any potentially malicious links that could install malware on your device. That's the first step hackers can use to get an AI model that records your keystrokes.