Spy drone Wi-Peep can see through walls via WiFi

Researchers at the University of Waterloo have developed a drone-powered device that can see through walls using WiFi networks. The device, called Wi-Peep, is designed to identify vulnerabilities in networks and could even detect movement data from outside.

The topic of cyber security is becoming increasingly important. This applies not only to the public sector, but also to private households. Because more and more technical and “intelligent” devices are being used there. The number of potential security gaps is constantly increasing.

What is already possible with cheap technology has now been demonstrated Researchers from the University of Waterloo. Your device, called Wi-Peep, consists only of an amateur drone and technology worth around 19 euros. Assembled creates an easy-to-use spy drone that could solve crimes.

Spy drone Wi-Peep can map the inside of buildings

But Wi-Peep also harbors dangers. The drone outside buildings interact with devices inside. To do this, the system sends out requests over a distance of several meters. Even a secure WLAN network seems receptive. Meanwhile, the spy drone identifies the devices in the home network and sends further requests.

The drone then uses the required response time to calculate the exact position of the network device in the household. The maximum deviation is a maximum of one meter. The researchers were thus able to see through walls, so to speak, and create a virtual floor plan of the selected building.

Drone can help criminals

The problem with this is that usage doesn’t stop when devices are installed in the home. If you want to rob a bank, for example, the security personnel could be spied on on their rounds using the drone. This works with wearables such as an Apple Watch or smartphones.

Criminals could find out the routes of the staff at any time and act accordingly. The researchers therefore warn that almost anyone can assemble and use such a drone.

At the same time, they appeal to the industry that devices should send the responses to requests at random intervals. That would make an exact localization impossible. Nevertheless, the study proves that even the best-secured home network still does not have sufficient protection.

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