A research team from the University of Waterloo in Canada has developed a drone that can detect devices emitting a Wi-Fi signal. we could think.
Ali Abedi, assistant professor of computer science at the University of Waterloo (Canada) and his team submitted a research article on Wi-Peep, a device in the form of a drone, more precisely a DJI Mini 2, equipped with additional computer equipment. It exploits a flaw in the Wi-Fi protocol to detect the location of devices emitting a Wi-Fi signal. This scientific research helps to better understand how this flaw could be used maliciously.
A pirate drone that can “see» through the walls
To carry out their experiment, the researchers used thePolite Wi-Fi», a security flaw in the protocol. If our devices securely connect to a Wi-Fi network, such as a router, they automatically respond to contact attempts from other nearby devices. By sending these requests, we can calculate the response time of these devices to identify their position.
This is how the drone developed by this team of researchers can “seethrough the walls. It is above all an experiment aimed at verifying the possibility of using this flaw. The goal of Wi-Peep was to educate about this issue in order to prepare computing devices for the next generation of Wi-Fi. The researchers also urge “Wi-Fi chipmakers to introduce artificial and random variation in device response timeto make Wi-Peep’s calculations inaccurate.
How this loophole could be used
Ali Abedi explains that “using similar technology, one could track the movements of security guards inside a bank by tracking the location of their phones or smartwatches“, enough to prepare a case for example. Also, “a thief could identify the location and type of smart devices in a home“, including surveillance cameras, laptops or connected televisions, to somehow optimize his burglary.
Where the system developed is practical is that a drone “can be used quickly and remotely with little chance of the user being detected“. Especially since these devices have been a consumer product for several years. As for the additional hardware for the computer system, it cost no more than 20 dollars.
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