Security of wireless keyboards: Threats, vulnerabilities and countermeasures

Abstract

Introduction/purpose: This paper provides an overview of research on computer system vulnerabilities caused by compromised electromagnetic radiation by wireless keyboards. Wireless devices that use event-triggered communication have been shown to have critical privacy issues due to the inherent leakage associated with radio frequency emissions. Wireless connectivity technology is a source of signal emanation that must be protected in terms of performance and security. Methods: Wireless device vulnerabilities and side-channel attacks are observed, along with electromagnetic emission of radio waves. Results: The findings highlight a specific wireless keyboard's security and encryption flaws. The results of penetration testing reveal vulnerabilities of targeted wireless keyboards in terms of outdated firmware, encryption, wireless reliability, and connection strength. Conclusion: Wireless keyboards have security flaws that disrupt radio communication, giving a malicious user complete access to the computer to which the keyboard is connected. An attacker can steal sensitive data by observing how the system works using compromised electromagnetic emissions.

Keywords

• wireless keyboard
• radio frequency
• electromagnetic emission
• software defined radio