Decrypting Files by Sound? Part 1

I found this paper recently that discuss how an RSA encryption key can be enumerated by sound. It was written by Adi Shamir, the co-inventor of the RSA algorithm (the ‘S’ in RSA), so the paper seems to be a little more legit than just someone’s paranoia. Basically, the idea is based off of the noises a computer makes when utilizing different levels of power. These noises consist of high-pitched tones that can be detected by the right equipment. Each task performed by a computer requires varying amounts of resources and power therefore a new unique set of tones for a process. So it seems possible that the noises resulting from a machine decrypting a key could be picked up and used to for enumeration.

This is definitely something I would love to test out! However, as of now I don’t have the right equipment but I don’t want to give up on the project yet. Instead, I’ll make baby steps. Encrypt something with RSA.

To be continued…