WiFi could secretly track you even if you leave your phone at home
New York Post • • technology
Key Points:
- Researchers have discovered that unencrypted WiFi signals exchanged between devices and routers can be used to create radio-based images, enabling near-perfect identification of individuals even without carrying any connected devices.
- This method exploits routine beamforming feedback information sent by devices to routers, which is transmitted without encryption, allowing potential covert surveillance by anyone within range.
- The study involving 197 participants demonstrated that this technique could identify people with almost 100% accuracy, raising significant privacy concerns.
- Experts warn that this technology could turn millions of WiFi routers into an invisible surveillance network, potentially used by corporations or governments to track individuals without their knowledge.
- Researchers urge the implementation of privacy safeguards and protective measures in future WiFi systems to prevent misuse of this powerful technology.
