AI Can See Your Screen Just Using HDMI Radiation
Security researchers from Uruguay’s University of the Republic have demonstrated that it’s possible to spy on a screen by intercepting electromagnetic radiation from video cables, using artificial intelligence. Despite the complexity of digital signals like HDMI, which replaced easier-to-intercept analog signals, the team trained an AI model to decode the leaks from these digital signals into readable screen captures. Their method achieved around 70% accuracy in reconstructing text from intercepted HDMI signals, enough for hackers to potentially access sensitive information like passwords or financial data.
The attack involves capturing the leaked signals, either by placing a signal-capturing device near the target or using a radio antenna from a distance. While the technique has been improved significantly, making it 60% more effective than previous methods, it’s still difficult and costly to execute, limiting its threat primarily to high-security environments like government agencies. The average home or office user is unlikely to be targeted, but it’s a concern for those with heightened security needs. Lead researcher Federico Larroca advises that while this isn’t a widespread threat, individuals concerned about security should be aware of the potential risks.