Researchers at Newcastle University have recently revealed that malicious websites and apps can spy on users simply by using information from the motion sensors found in their smartphones. This way, hackers are able to decipher and steal PINs and passwords from unsuspecting people.
According to a new research, by analyzing the movement of the device we use to type in information, hackers can crack four-digit PINs with high accuracy on the first guess – 70% – and even higher accuracy on the fifth guess – a staggering 100%. They’re able to do his simply by using the data collected through the phone’s internal sensors.
So how do these sensors (GPS, camera, microphone, rotation sensors, accelerometer and many others) track our movements? Apparently, through pretty much everything we do on a phone – clicking, scrolling, tapping, holding, etc. All of these movements generate a unique orientation and motion trace that can be used by criminals.
Although many companies in the industry are aware what the majority of the usual twenty-five sensors available on smartphones can do – in other words, although they’re aware of this serious problem – no one has been able to find a solution, at least not yet.
According to researchers, here’s how you can better protect yourself:
Change your PINs and passwords regularly
Close the background apps once you’re done with them
Keep your phone’s OS and apps up to date
Install apps only from approved app stores
Thoroughly inspect the permissions that apps require before you install them
Source:
Newcastle University via ScienceDaily (https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/04/170411085825.htm)
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