Imagine typing a password into your computer and AI listening to every keystroke and guessing exactly what you typed.
Some experts say this is not a sci-fi scenario, it could happen in real life. new research By researchers at Cornell University.
They reported that AI can listen to the keystrokes you make on your computer and steal passwords with up to 95% accuracy.
Let’s take a closer look at this disturbing new information and see how we can protect ourselves from this unfortunate situation.
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How AI eavesdrops on your keyboard
When testing an AI model that listens for keystrokes, the researchers trained the model on the intensity, waveform, and duration of each keystroke. This model listened to his MacBook Pro’s keystrokes and was able to repeat them with up to 95% accuracy.
However, the fact that the model focuses on the intensity, waveform, and duration of every keystroke means that the AI analyzes how you type, not how loud the keyboard is while you type.
Don’t rush out and buy a new keyboard because you think it’s quieter than the one you already have. The research team also tested this theory during a Zoom call and during his Skype call, both of which resulted in the AI model reproducing his keystrokes with over 90% accuracy.
This means AI can steal passwords and other sensitive data just by listening to your keystrokes during a video call, even if you’re not showing your screen or keyboard. This is a serious security threat that can expose your online accounts to hackers.
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How hackers use microphones to steal passwords
Hackers can easily use this technique and method by installing malware on microphone-equipped devices such as laptops and smartphones.
Once installed, the malware collects data from the user’s previous keystrokes and feeds it to the AI model. The AI model listens using a microphone and repeats the same keystrokes to retrieve the password.
This is a more complicated way for hackers to get password information from you, but it’s not impossible, so you should take precautions to protect yourself from this potential threat.
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How to protect yourself from AI duplicating keystrokes
use strong and unique passwords
Use strong, unique passwords for your online accounts and change them regularly. A password manager will be an important tool for preventing AI intrusions, mainly for her two reasons.
First, all passwords are consolidated and automatically entered into login fields, eliminating the need to remember or manually enter passwords. This makes it less likely that the AI will detect or predict your keystrokes.
A password manager then generates and protects complex passwords for all your accounts. This means that even if a hacker compromises one of her passwords, her other accounts are safe and unaffected.
MORE: Best Password Managers Reviewed by Experts in 2023
Use two-factor authentication
Another way to protect yourself from AI harvesting your passwords is to use two-factor authentication. Two-factor authentication adds an extra shield that prevents AI from getting into your account even if you guess your keystrokes correctly.
This usually comes in the form of requiring additional information to be provided, such as verification by text message, email, or another 2FA app such as Microsoft Authenticator.
With 2FA, AI can no longer steal passwords with simple keystrokes. If two-factor authentication is available, consider using it on all your devices and accounts.
Install good antivirus software on all your devices
Having good antivirus software installed can keep hackers and AI models out of your device. Installing antivirus software on your device will definitely stop you from clicking on malicious links that can install malware on your device. This is the first step a hacker might use to get his AI model to record keystrokes.
See my expert review. best antivirus protection for you Windows, Mac, Android, iOS devices by visiting Cyberguy.com/LockUpYourTech
What is artificial intelligence (AI)?
Cart key points
After all, buying a new keyboard is not the solution to avoid keystroke stealing by AI models.
The best thing to do is follow all my suggestions above and check all accounts regularly for suspicious activity.
This is a scary scenario. However, if you pay attention to the information, you may be able to avoid it.
What more can AI companies like OpenAI do to prevent hackers from using their models to aid in malicious activity? Cyberguy.com/contact
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