Currently, cybersecurity is more dynamic than ever; novel threats appear from time to time, and even the strongest shields may be breached. One such rather recent and complex threat is the thermal attack.
Thermal attacks take advantage of residual thermal profiles left behind by a keyboard or touchscreen. When a person types on a keyboard or touches a screen, they produce residual thermal signatures on the device. All these heat signatures can be captured and evaluated using thermal imaging cameras. Interpreting these patterns, an attacker can reconstruct an input, for example, passwords, PINs, or any other sensitive data.
In this blog, we will see how thermal attacks work, and then suggest measures you can do to avoid them.
How Do Thermal Attacks Work?
Thermal attacks involve the following steps:
Observation
With thermal imaging cameras, the attackers can record heat emanations from a keyboard, touchscreen, or keypad. It can be installed covertly to monitoring the target device.
Image Processing
The acquired thermal images are then processed to increase the contrast between the objects and the background. This makes it easier to recognize which keys or areas of the screen were touched.
Pattern Recognition
Thermal images are then processed using specialized software that can identify the heat patterns. If the intensity and dissipation of heat are done properly, this software could at times find the sequence of the keystrokes.
Reconstruction
They are applied to reconstruct the input. Thus, attackers can reverse engineer passwords, PINs, or any other concealed information.
The risks and implications
Thermal attacks pose several risks and implications for individuals and organizations:
Data Breach – Explicit data like passwords & PINs could be exploited to gain access to personal & corporate accounts.
Financial Loss – When financial details is compromised, the attackers could perform nefarious business transactions resulting in great financial losses.
Identity theft – Information gained from thermal attacks results in identity theft. It affects the victim’s credit score and reputation for years.
Corporate Espionage – Thermal attacks might lead to unauthorized access to sensitive business data. Thus, resulting in corporate espionage and business competitiveness.
Prevention Measures Against Thermal Attacks
Use of Strong Authentication Methods
Implementing a strong MFA could reduce the chances of unauthorized access by users. Thermal attacks may enable attackers to get the passwords, but they will still need the second factor to gain access.
Update & Patch Systems
All the systems and the software must regularly be updated with the right patches. This assists in the closing of any gaps that the attackers can take advantage of.
Implementing Security Awareness Training
Inform the workers about potential thermal threats & the need to safeguard their devices. One of the essentials in combating such attacks is awareness.
Use screen protectors and key covers
It is difficult to get usable images in the presence of screen protectors that cut thermal signatures or key covers that hide heat patterns.
Employing Physical Security Measures
Make sure that sensitive input devices such as keyboards or touch screens are kept in secure, private areas. Physical access restrictions can help avoid capturing thermal images by attackers.
Adopt Advanced Thermal Detection Technologies
Install modern technologies that allow identifying the presence of unauthorized thermal imaging equipment. This may prove useful in assessing and preventing potential threats.
Consider Behavioural Biometrics
Behavioural biometrics can identify and track the ways people use the devices. So, it is impossible for an attacker to forge or misuse the captured input data.
Conclusion
Thermal attacks are one of the most modern and significant dangers in the sphere of cybersecurity. New threats come up now and then, hence the need to be updated and alert in the defence mechanisms against the attackers.
Thermal attacks can be addressed through proper security measures, user awareness, & cutting-edge technologies to safeguard your information.
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Swathi
Author
Working IT professional and a Cyber Security enthusiast. Passionate to write about Cyber Security topics and Solutions. I share my insights as I study articles and trending topics in the field of Cyber Security.
