In the past, scientists and security researchers have tapped into the options of exploiting Wi-Fi security vulnerabilities. However, they used rather bulky and expensive devices to explore flaws in Wi-Fi security. Now, a research team from University of Waterloo has actually developed a device that can be clipped to a drone and can access Wi-Fi networks to see through walls.
What is the device and how it works?
Called Wi-Peep, the device can fly near a building and use residents’ Wi-Fi network to identify and locate all WiFi-enabled devices inside in a matter of seconds. According to a media release shared by the University, Wi-Peep exploits a loophole the researchers call polite WiFi. Even if a network is password protected, smart devices will automatically respond to contact attempts from any device within range. “The Wi-Peep sends several messages to a device as it flies and then measures the response time on each, enabling it to identify the device’s location to within a metre,” noted the release.
Ali Abedi, adjunct professor of computer science at Waterloo, further explained why this discovery was significant. “The Wi-Peep devices are like lights in the visible spectrum, and the walls are like glass,” Abedi said. “Using similar technology, one could track the movements of security guards inside a bank by following the location of their phones or smartwatches. Likewise, a thief could identify the location and type of smart devices in a home, including security cameras, laptops, and smart TVs, to find a good candidate for a break-in. In addition, the device’s operation via drone means that it can be used quickly and remotely without much chance of the user being detected.”
Abedi’s team actually built the device using a store-bought drone and $20 of easily purchased hardware. The team, as per Abedi, built the Wi-Peep to test their theory and quickly realised that anyone with the right expertise could easily create a similar device.
What is the device and how it works?
Called Wi-Peep, the device can fly near a building and use residents’ Wi-Fi network to identify and locate all WiFi-enabled devices inside in a matter of seconds. According to a media release shared by the University, Wi-Peep exploits a loophole the researchers call polite WiFi. Even if a network is password protected, smart devices will automatically respond to contact attempts from any device within range. “The Wi-Peep sends several messages to a device as it flies and then measures the response time on each, enabling it to identify the device’s location to within a metre,” noted the release.
Ali Abedi, adjunct professor of computer science at Waterloo, further explained why this discovery was significant. “The Wi-Peep devices are like lights in the visible spectrum, and the walls are like glass,” Abedi said. “Using similar technology, one could track the movements of security guards inside a bank by following the location of their phones or smartwatches. Likewise, a thief could identify the location and type of smart devices in a home, including security cameras, laptops, and smart TVs, to find a good candidate for a break-in. In addition, the device’s operation via drone means that it can be used quickly and remotely without much chance of the user being detected.”
Abedi’s team actually built the device using a store-bought drone and $20 of easily purchased hardware. The team, as per Abedi, built the Wi-Peep to test their theory and quickly realised that anyone with the right expertise could easily create a similar device.
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