The security of our mobile devices has become a growing concern due to the large amount of personal information we store on them. As technology advances, cyber criminals are also looking for new ways to attack our phones. Recently, a threat called GhostTouch, a hacking method that does not require virus installation, has aroused the attention of users. However, as alarming as it sounds, it is important to understand that this threat is not as serious as you might initially think.
No virus, but with a peculiar approach
GhostTouch is a hacking method that has been discovered by researchers from Zhejiang University in China and Darmstadt University of Technology in Germany. Unlike traditional attacks that use viruses to take control of a device, GhostTouch relies on the use of electromagnetic signals to simulate gestures on the target phone. These gestures can be movements such as swiping or tapping on the screen, allowing hackers to control the device remotely, without the user’s knowledge.
Limitations that decrease its effectiveness
Although GhostTouch may sound like a worrying threat, it’s important to note the significant limitations it presents. First, hackers must be in physical proximity to the device, at a maximum distance of 40mm. This means that the attack cannot be carried out remotely, which drastically decreases its reach and makes it difficult to apply it on a massive scale. Also, this hacking method does not go unnoticed. If the user is looking at the screen of their phone while it is being controlled remotely, they may notice strange movements or the device may behave unusually. These red flags could alert the user that their phone has been compromised and therefore take additional security measures.
The importance of lock screen security
Another crucial factor to keep in mind is that GhostTouch only affects phones that are unlocked or don’t have security measures on the lock screen, such as PIN, pattern, fingerprint or facial recognition. If your phone has any of these security measures, you are at a more secure level against this type of attack. It is essential to ensure that you use at least one of these options to protect your device and prevent unauthorized access.
While the GhostTouch discovery may raise concerns, it is important to remain calm and properly assess the level of risk it poses. While any security threat should be taken seriously, GhostTouch requires physical proximity to the device and is not a discreet method.
The important thing is not to leave our mobile phone unlocked without supervision on a table in a bar, although we already do that, right?
