Using spellcheck? Electromagnetic fields could reveal your writing

It has long been known that subtle electronic fields and noises emitted by computers can reveal clues about your activity, a powerful spying method that can be done from a few feet away.

These so-called “side-channel signals” can be collected by antennas or microphones and through analysis could reveal sensitive data such as encryption keys.

It’s not known if spy agencies are already using these methods, but the many academic studies outlining potential attacks would suggest it’s probably a growing part of signals intelligence.

Researchers from the Georgia Institute of Technology have embarked on a three-year project to figure out how these electronic signal leaks could be prevented by redesigning hardware and software.

To read this article in full or to leave a comment, please click here