Researchers Warn of WiFi Networks' Potential for Surveillance with Near Perfect Accuracy
Researchers in Germany have developed a system that uses ordinary WiFi networks to identify individuals with near-perfect accuracy, even if they are not carrying an active device. This system, demonstrated by Professor Thorsten Strufe and his team at KASTEL - KIT's Institute of Information Security and Dependability, utilizes standard wireless signals and artificial intelligence to create images of people based on the propagation of radio waves. Unlike traditional cameras, this method does not rely on light waves, making it possible to detect individuals without them carrying a WiFi device. The technology could transform everyday routers into surveillance tools, as it can identify people in places like cafes or public spaces without their knowledge. The system works by analyzing beamforming feedback information (BFI) from devices connected to a network, which is transmitted without encryption, allowing AI systems to recognize individual identities.