"Researchers Develop a Device That Can Use Wi-Fi To See Through Walls"

A team of University of Waterloo researchers developed a drone-powered device that can see through walls using Wi-Fi networks. Wi-Peep is a device that can fly close to a building and then use the inhabitants' Wi-Fi network to identify and locate Wi-Fi-enabled devices inside. The Wi-Peep device exploits a vulnerability referred to as polite Wi-Fi. Smart devices will automatically respond to contact attempts from any device within range, even if the network is password protected. According to the team, Wi-Peep sends several signals to a device as it flies and then measures the response time to determine the device's location within one meter. Dr. Ali Abedi, an adjunct professor of computer science at Waterloo, compares the Wi-Peep device to lights in the visible spectrum and the walls to glass. One might follow security guards' movements inside a bank by tracking the location of their phones or smartwatches, using similar technology. A criminal could also determine the position and type of smart devices in a home, such as security cameras, laptops, and smart TVs, to find a suitable candidate for a home invasion. Furthermore, because the device is operated via a drone, it can be used quickly and remotely without the user being detected. Although Wi-Fi security vulnerabilities have been explored before using large, expensive devices, the Wi-Peep stands out due to its accessibility and mobility. Abedi's team built the Wi-Peep device with a store-bought drone and $20 worth of hardware. This article continues to discuss the research and testing behind the Wi-Peep device that brings further attention to Wi-Fi vulnerabilities.

SciTechDaily reports "Researchers Develop a Device That Can Use Wi-Fi To See Through Walls"