According to a new report, researchers have found a new method to steal data from computers that are not connected to any external system or other computers. They achieved this by mapping the brightness of the LCD monitor.
The method utilizes a previously compromised computer to relay changes in the LCD’s RBG color values through a camera. The changes are imperceptible, meaning its almost impossible to map it with the naked eye, thus it requires a camera equipped device. Theoretically speaking, one can also trick someone into loading malware on their computer through a USB drive and use nearby security cameras, that have been hacked, to relay the relevant data.
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In other words, all of this sounds like a technique out of science fiction or a hacking scene in a movie, but it is now also a method of extracting data out of one’s system. However, don’t worry too soon, as it is not yet possible for hackers to simply gain access to your computer’s important credentials and sensitive data through brightness alone.
A data thief would have to go through many loops like gaining access to a camera that is pointed towards the target computer for it to be possible. As it stands right now, the technique will supposedly more helpful to intelligence agencies and other such organizations rather than a hacker keeping track of your PC monitor. Although the development does give rise to a new avenue of hacking altogether, even between air-gapped computers that are completely isolated.
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(Via)
