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Top Cyber Threats 👨‍💻
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As per a new research paper revealed and published by academics from the National Universtiy of Singapore, cyber criminals could use audio recordings to create a key to your front door. Audio recordings from smartphones could be used by hackers to create a set of keys to your front door. But don't panic yet, there's still some significant hurdles to be cleared before this becomes reality.

The paper demonstrates how an audio recording of a key turning in a lock can be used to map its shape, size and ridge-pattern - information the eavesdropper could use to create a real-world replica. The program that analyzed the audio recordings, named SpiKey, is said to be accurate enough to filter a database of 330,000 keys down to three candidates.

The lock-breaking system works by analyzing the time elapsed between clicks made as the key ridges interact with pins in the lock, allowing the program to discern the key’s unique pattern of ridges. The inter-ridge distances are used to create a virtual model of the key, which can then be 3D printed for use in real-life scenarios.

The paper does concede that SpiKey is only effective if the attacker has a base knowledge of the type of lock and key (which could be confirmed by inspecting the exterior) and if the speed of key insertion or withdrawal remains constant from start to finish.