Ordinary WiFi can now identify you with near-perfect accuracy
Researchers have discovered that standard WiFi signals can be used to map surroundings and identify individuals without cameras or connected devices. This technology poses significant privacy concerns as it can turn existing routers into invisible surveillance tools.
Why it matters
This development highlights a major vulnerability in modern infrastructure, potentially enabling mass surveillance without the need for traditional tracking devices.
WiFi signals could potentially be used to identify people and map their surroundings without relying on cameras or requiring the person being observed to carry a connected device.
"By observing the propagation of radio waves, we can create an image of the surroundings and of persons who are present," says Professor Thorsten Strufe from KASTEL, KIT's Institute of Information Security and Dependability. "This works similar to a normal camera, the difference being that in our case, radio waves instead of light waves are used for the recognition," explains the cybersecurity expert.
Because the technique analyzes radio waves moving through a space, a person does not need to have a phone, smartwatch, or other WiFi enabled device with them. "Thus, it does not matter whether you carry a WiFi device on you or not."
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