Hackers use electromagnetic radiation from HDMI cables to reconstruct what is displayed on the screen. This means that in theory they can view everything on your monitor – passwords, emails and confidential documents.
By monitoring the HDMI cable’s emissions, hackers can view what you’re currently seeing on your monitor.
IF we mention cyber security, many immediately think of phishing schemes, Trojan horses or ransomware. However, recent findings have shown that even something as common and seemingly safe as an HDMI cable can pose a significant risk. Researchers from the Universidad de la República in Uruguay discovered a worrying vulnerability in them that could allow hackers to steal passwords and access the information currently displayed on your monitor.
Specifically, hackers can use the electromagnetic radiation from HDMI cables to reconstruct what is displayed on the screen. That means they can theoretically display everything on your monitor—passwords, emails, and confidential documents—simply by capturing that radiation. The shocking thing is that this way they can achieve up to 70% accuracy when reconstructing the display. In practice, it may look like someone is just setting up a set of antennas and receivers near your office or home from your point of view. Without you knowing it, this device is actually picking up electromagnetic radiation from your HDMI cables. In order to capture this radiation, immediate physical proximity is not necessary.
Using advanced techniques, hackers can pick up and analyze these signals remotely without actually entering your home or office. This means that even if you’re working in a coffee shop or coworking space, your HDMI cable can silently transmit information to a hacker with the right tools. This especially applies to those who work with sensitive or confidential information.
While this vulnerability may seem alarming, it is important to remember that executing such an attack requires advanced technical skills and special equipment. Researchers believe that average home users are unlikely to be targeted, although government agencies, corporations and businesses may face higher risks.
How to protect against “eavesdropping” on HDMI cables:
Use high-quality, shielded HDMI cables to reduce electromagnetic emissions and make eavesdropping more difficult.
Make sure your workspace is private. In public or shared areas, use screen privacy filters or adjust the location of your device to reduce exposure to electromagnetic radiation.
- Regular updates:
Keep your devices and software updated to protect against various cybersecurity threats, although this will not directly prevent HDMI-based attacks.
- Use VPNs and encryption:
Use virtual private networks (VPNs) and encryption of sensitive data to add additional layers of security
Source: vat.pravda.sk
