Researchers have taught AI to steal information from a monitor using radiation from an HDMI cable

A new study has found that hackers can use artificial intelligence to decipher electromagnetic radiation emanating from the cable that connects the computer and monitor, and then read information from the screen. The attack is especially relevant when connecting a PC and a monitor to an analogue connection.

Image source: Pete Linforth/Pixabay

A group of scientists from the Universidad Republica in Montevideo (Uruguay) has developed an AI model capable of decoding electromagnetic radiation from a monitor cable at a distance of several meters, reports New Scientist. The method works as follows. Suspected hackers intercept electromagnetic radiation emanating from a VGA, HDMI or DVI cable between a computer and a monitor, then artificial intelligence trained on a set of corresponding signals decrypts the intercepted information and transmits it to its intended destination.

To evaluate the effectiveness of the attack, the team used standard software that displays text information on the monitor screen, intercepted the signal transmitted via an HDMI cable to the monitor, decrypted it using standard text recognition software, and compared the result with the original image on the screen. The study found that during the decoding process, 30% of the characters are interpreted incorrectly, but the remaining 70% is enough to recognize most of the text.

With the help of this technology, hackers can spy on computer screens when users enter any sensitive data. Signal interception can be done using an antenna installed outside the building, or using a small device that captures and records the interception data for later retrieval.

Research leader Federico Larroca believes that attacks of this type, known as TEMPEST, are likely already happening, but only in the most important industrial or government institutions. For ordinary users, Larroca believes, there is no need to worry yet.