Researchers Demonstrate Hack by Heat
Malware could pass data and commands between disconnected computers without leaving a trace on the network.
Several news sources report that scientists at Ben-Gurion University have discovered a new technique for computers in close proximity to communicate through heat pulses. The technique does not depend on any form of conventional wired or wireless networking. According to the report, two disconnected systems placed 15 inches (40 cm) apart can use heat pulses to communicate. The on-board temperature sensor in one unit can detect heat pulses from the other system. If the necessary malware were placed on the systems, they could successfully transmit data and commands without leaving a footprint on the network.
The attack technique is envisioned for situations in which a system on an internal network is located beside a second system with access to the Internet. Isolating the internal network in this way was once thought to provide the ultimate security; the method described by the Ben-Gurion scientists demonstrates that network isolation alone is not enough to guarantee security.
This method is similar to other recently discovered unconventional techniques for passing information between computers through FM signals and screen images. The article at Wired provides additional details.
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
-
Linux Now Runs Most Windows Games
The latest data shows that nearly 90 percent of Windows games can be played on Linux.
-
Fedora 43 Has Finally Landed
The Fedora Linux developers have announced their latest release, Fedora 43.
-
KDE Unleashes Plasma 6.5
The Plasma 6.5 desktop environment is now available with new features, improvements, and the usual bug fixes.
-
Xubuntu Site Possibly Hacked
It appears that the Xubuntu site was hacked and briefly served up a malicious ZIP file from its download page.
-
LMDE 7 Now Available
Linux Mint Debian Edition, version 7, has been officially released and is based on upstream Debian.
-
Linux Kernel 6.16 Reaches EOL
Linux kernel 6.16 has reached its end of life, which means you'll need to upgrade to the next stable release, Linux kernel 6.17.
-
Amazon Ditches Android for a Linux-Based OS
Amazon has migrated from Android to the Linux-based Vega OS for its Fire TV.
-
Cairo Dock 3.6 Now Available for More Compositors
If you're a fan of third-party desktop docks, then the latest release of Cairo Dock with Wayland support is for you.
-
System76 Unleashes Pop!_OS 24.04 Beta
System76's first beta of Pop!_OS 24.04 is an impressive feat.
-
Linux Kernel 6.17 is Available
Linus Torvalds has announced that the latest kernel has been released with plenty of core improvements and even more hardware support.