Do you think that by getting rid of your cell phone and laptop no one will be able to track you? Think again. Scientists have discovered a chilling way ordinary WiFi networks could work together to identify people with near-perfect accuracy, even when they’re not wearing a phone, smartwatch, Fitbit, laptop, or any other connected device, according to Science Daily. Researchers discovered that unencrypted signals commonly exchanged between WiFi devices and routers can be used to create radio-based images of people (similar to a camera) and recognize them in a matter of seconds. The researchers found that common WiFi routers could silently identify people with almost 100% accuracy, potentially turning everyday wireless networks into invisible surveillance systems. AlinStock – stock.adobe.com The finding raises the disturbing possibility that the millions of WiFi routers around us could become a vast invisible surveillance network, potentially allowing corporations, governments or others to identify people without their knowledge. “Technology is powerful, but at the same time it carries risks for our fundamental rights, especially privacy,” said Professor Thorsten Strufe of the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology in Germany. The method takes advantage of normal communications produced by legitimate users connected to WiFi networks operating within a home, office, cafeteria or similar location. Connected devices routinely send information to routers to optimize wireless communications. The researchers found that those signals, known as beamforming feedback information, are transmitted without encryption. That means someone within range could potentially analyze the signals without the tracked person knowing. Wireless WiFi routers will learn to communicate and share signals with enough precision to identify them, researchers predict. madrolly – stock.adobe.com Scientists want to alert people that this may be a way for the government to monitor everyone without them knowing. Gorodenkoff – stock.adobe.com Most people have WiFi routers in their homes, not knowing that the devices may power them one day. Falon W/NY Post Design “This technology turns every router into a potential means of surveillance,” warned co-researcher Julian Todt. “If you regularly pass by a coffee shop that has a WiFi network, it is possible that they will identify you there without realizing it and recognize you later.” The team tested the technique in a study of 197 participants and said their system was able to infer their identities with almost 100% accuracy. The team is now calling for protective measures and privacy safeguards to be built into new WiFi systems, before it is too late.
