Can Computer Keyboards Leak Sensitive Information Out?

A research team at the Security and Cryptography Laboratory in Lausanne, Switzerland, has reportedly been successful in recognizing the keystrokes by analyzing the electromagnetic emissions.

"We found 4 different ways (including the Kuhn attack) to fully or partially recover keystrokes from wired keyboards at a distance up to 20 meters, even through walls. We tested 11 different wired keyboard models bought between 2001 and 2008 (PS/2, USB and laptop). They are all vulnerable to at least one of our 4 attacks."

Using electromagnetic radiations to capture sensitive information is not new news. Some organizations, (for example defense establishments, etc) have been reportedly using mechanisms to prevent such radiations through walls and windows of their buildings from the past.

The findings of this research group reminded the problem with practical feasibility which may also compromise the security of ATMs. More details are available here: http://lasecwww.epfl.ch/keyboard/