The method, known as EM Eye, can even capture images through walls, raising huge concerns about the potential for misuse.

The research, led by Kevin Fu, a professor of electrical and computer engineering at Northeastern University, targets a vulnerability in the data transmission cables within most modern cameras. These cables unintentionally act as radio antennas, leaking electromagnetic information that can be picked up and decoded to reveal real-time video.

As reported by Tech Xplore, the vulnerability exists because manufacturers focus on protecting the intentional digital interfaces of cameras, such as the upload channel to the cloud, but overlook the potential for information leakage through accidental channels. “They never intended for this wire to become a radio transmitter, but it is,” Fu explains. “If you have your lens open, even if you think you have the camera off, we’re collecting.”

Cross post from https://lemmy.world/post/12081766

    • lurch (he/him)@sh.itjust.works
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      7 months ago

      is it tho. if your phones cams are not coincidentally covered by tables or the fabric of your pocket, where are they pointing, genius?

      for most regular people, like me, covering them is pointless. the security measures in place are not perfect, but sufficient. someone who goes over the top to circumvent them will find he just gets to see a regular person doing regular things.

        • lurch (he/him)@sh.itjust.works
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          7 months ago

          you’re talking about the problems of a possible future, but taking non-preventative measures against it right now that are useless (for me and other regular people) right now.

          if the dark future you’re describing becomes reality, i will gladly put a sticker on my phones cam, so the spy in the hallway can’t see your chin when you sit near my coffee table