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Keystrokes bugged by ear

University researchers have come up with a novel way to log keystrokes via a Skype call.

A study [PDF] from the University of California at Irvine suggests that by capturing the audio on a Skype call, a remote attacker would potentially be able to identify the unique click sounds from pressing keys.

If the attacker had enough familiarity with the target and their keyboard, the researchers found, they could isolate the sound made by each key. If, for example, the target was entering their password while on a VoIP call, the listener would be able to capture their keystrokes.

The best counter-measure? Avoid typing sensitive information while on a Skype call. ®

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