An introduction to acoustic keyloggers
Keyboard Eavesdropping
© Lead Image © Sergey Galushko, 123RF.com
Is someone listening in on your typing? Learn more about how acoustic keyloggers work.
With all the discussion about the application of artificial intelligence (AI) in cybersecurity, we are reminded that criminals are paying close attention to AI's advances. New functionality identified by British researchers [1] involves training a deep learning model to listen in on the acoustic sounds made by keyboards when a user is typing. The model then records the audio from the typing and determines what was typed. Applications include recording users logging in to sensitive online accounts or entering payment details.
However, this type of attack does not require AI to do damage. Keylogging tools already exist that can listen in on your typing. While it might sound paranoid, you might be surprised how advanced such tools have become, even without machine learning (ML) removing much of the required "training" time for an acoustic keylogger to fully recognize keyboard sounds.
To get you up to speed on keylogging, I will explain how keylogging works and look at some of the tools currently available on Linux.
[...]
Buy this article as PDF
(incl. VAT)
Buy Linux Magazine
US / Canada
UK / Australia
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.
News
-
LibreOffice 25.2 Has Arrived
If you've been hoping for a release that offers more UI customizations, you're in for a treat.
-
TuxCare Has a Big AlmaLinux 9 Announcement in Store
TuxCare announced it has successfully completed a Security Technical Implementation Guide for AlmaLinux OS 9.
-
First Release Candidate for Linux Kernel 6.14 Now Available
Linus Torvalds has officially released the first release candidate for kernel 6.14 and it includes over 500,000 lines of modified code, making for a small release.
-
System76 Refreshes Meerkat Mini PC
If you're looking for a small form factor PC powered by Linux, System76 has exactly what you need in the Meerkat mini PC.
-
Gnome 48 Alpha Ready for Testing
The latest Gnome desktop alpha is now available with plenty of new features and improvements.
-
Wine 10 Includes Plenty to Excite Users
With its latest release, Wine has the usual crop of bug fixes and improvements, along with some exciting new features.
-
Linux Kernel 6.13 Offers Improvements for AMD/Apple Users
The latest Linux kernel is now available, and it includes plenty of improvements, especially for those who use AMD or Apple-based systems.
-
Gnome 48 Debuts New Audio Player
To date, the audio player found within the Gnome desktop has been meh at best, but with the upcoming release that all changes.
-
Plasma 6.3 Ready for Public Beta Testing
Plasma 6.3 will ship with KDE Gear 24.12.1 and KDE Frameworks 6.10, along with some new and exciting features.
-
Budgie 10.10 Scheduled for Q1 2025 with a Surprising Desktop Update
If Budgie is your desktop environment of choice, 2025 is going to be a great year for you.