Researchers from Ben-Gurion University in Israel have unveiled an innovative technique for data theft from computers that operate in isolated environments. This method, dubbed SmartAttack, utilizes ultrasonic signals to transmit confidential information that is inaudible to the human ear.

The crux of the attack lies in the fact that the infected computer encodes data into an ultrasonic signal, which is then captured by the smartwatch's microphone. The device can subsequently relay this information via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, circumventing the physical isolation of the computer. Given that smartphones are often prohibited in secure areas, smartwatches prove to be a more practical option for such attacks.

During experiments, data was successfully transmitted over distances of up to six meters at a rate of 50 bits per second. Although the method requires both the computer to be infected and the presence of the smartwatch, researchers caution that the risks are significant for organizations relying on physical isolation as their primary defense.

This research calls for a reevaluation of policies regarding wearable devices in high-security zones.