Research from Universidad de la República (Udelar) in Uruguay has unveiled a new security vulnerability involving HDMI cables, which are commonly used to connect computers to TVs and large screens. The study reveals that hackers can exploit these cables to steal passwords and conduct espionage.
According to the research paper, artificial intelligence (AI) can be used to decode electromagnetic emissions from HDMI connectors, allowing attackers to reconstruct the content previously displayed on a computer screen with up to 60% accuracy. Federico Larroca, a researcher involved in the study, explained that while executing such operations is technically challenging, the combination of software-defined radio equipment and AI makes it feasible to capture and reconstruct text and images.
Larroca noted that the accuracy of this data reconstruction is expected to improve as AI algorithms advance, leading to reduced error rates in character recognition.
Despite efforts to design modern HDMI cables with reduced interference, AI advancements are still capable of overcoming these safeguards, potentially jeopardizing the security of numerous large-screen setups.
Cybersecurity experts recommend using encrypted connections when displaying sensitive information on external screens and avoiding the display of passwords via HDMI-connected monitors. Some experts also suggest utilizing wireless screencasting options, though this method may lead to data loss.
In terms of market impact, a survey by Technavio predicts that the HDMI cable market will reach $900 million between 2024 and 2028. This growth is expected to be driven by increased usage of smart devices and rising demand for ultra-high-definition 8K video and audio transmission.
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