Typically, hackers rely on malware installed on a smartphone to spy on calls by hijacking the microphone. A new technique makes it possible to go through theaccelerometer of the device. If the main function of this sensor is to measure the linear accelerations and vibrations of the smartphone, it can also be used for that listen to phone callsin particular by recording the speaker vibrations.
This was demonstrated by a team of researchers from five American universities, namely Temple University, Texas A&M University, the New Jersey Institute of Technology, the University of Dayton and Rutgers University. baptized EarSpythe new technique, described in an article published later this year, is based on data captured by motion sensors when the speaker is beeping.
The evolution of sensors and speakers in question
This form of attack would not have been possible on older phones with low-tech speakers and sensors. According to the researchers, the improvements these components have received over the years have not only made them more efficient, but also vulnerable in the eyes of hackers. Additionally, to protect against attacks, manufacturers tend to tighten security at the microphone level at the expense of the device’s sensors, making them more accessible.
The researchers used OnePlus 7T and OnePlus 9 smartphones to conduct their experiments. You would have achieved an accuracy of 56% to determine the words spoken during the conversation. On the other hand, EarSpy would be just right 98% to identify caller gender.
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Source: Security Weekly