Computer mice can eavesdrop on private conversations, researchers discover

What makes this attack practical is the sensitivity of today’s mice, both their high polling rate (the frequency at which they sample movement, measured in kHz), and the resolution with which they detect movement, measured in dots per inch (DPI).

The higher the polling rate and resolution, the more sensitive the mice become to sound. “Ultimately, these developments entail an increased usage of vulnerable mice by consumers, companies, and government entities, expanding the attack surface of potential vulnerabilities in these advanced sensor technologies,” said the researchers.

However, there are important caveats that limit the scope of Mic-E-Mouse. The noise level of the environment being eavesdropped upon must be low, with desks no more than 3cm thick, and with the mouse mostly stationary to isolate voice vibrations.

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AndyC

Andy Curtis is an award-winning security consultant, researcher and public speaker. He has been working in the computer security industry since the early 1990s, having been employed by state and federal government, leading healthcare and banking providers across three continents. He has given talks about computer security for some of the world’s largest companies, worked with law enforcement agencies on investigations into hacking groups, and is a regular voice on TV and radio explaining IT security threats.

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