New acoustic attack steals data from keystrokes with 95% accuracy

Re:New acoustic attack steals data from keystrokes with 95% ... by tiltowait on Saturday August 05, 2023 @09:17PM (#37017991)

Some old IBM keyboards (beamsprings, the predecessor to the Model F, which preceded the Model M) had solenoids inside to make them louder and sound more like typewriters. I wonder if such a setup would defeat this attack, or if it would still be possible to discern the actual keypress alongside the solenoid.

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:New acoustic attack steals data from keystrokes with 95% ... by doix on Saturday August 05, 2023 @11:02PM (#37018590)

I'm guessing it would be easier (assuming you trained it on that keyboard), because each solenoid would be fairly unique due to manufacturing tolerances. Just my gut feeling, I have no data to back it up.

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:New acoustic attack steals data from keystrokes with 95% ... by Gh0stRAT on Sunday August 06, 2023 @03:16AM (#37019664)

I know nothing about this keyboard, but I'd assume it just has one solenoid because the expense and space of 100+ solenoids is impractical if all you're using them for is simulating the vibration/sound of a typewriter.

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:New acoustic attack steals data from keystrokes with 95% ... by doix on Sunday August 06, 2023 @11:30AM (#37022993)

I wish I could delete my comment to hide my stupidity. For some reason I was thinking about springs despite reading and typing solenoid. You are of course 100% correct and unfortunately it's too late for me to hide my shame.

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:New acoustic attack steals data from keystrokes with 95% ... by filchermcurr on Sunday August 06, 2023 @01:19AM (#37019179)

Not just limited to old IBM keyboards! The new reproduction Model F keyboards also have a solenoid option! It's fantastically loud with it banging on the solid metal case along with the buckling springs. Great keyboards in general.

[ Parent | on HN ]