Inspiration

Interest in cybersecurity and electronic engineering. Felt like a fun twist and challenge for group’s mechanical engineering majors.

What it does

Extract data from an offline computer in the form of user keystrokes by manipulating an LED to transmit analog signals in binary.

How I built it

Built a keylogger using python. The Arduino uses the text file generated by the keylogger to convert keystrokes to binary and the photosensor decodes analog (ON/OFF) signals to binary and then to text.

Challenges I ran into

Clock synchronization between receiver and transmitter which resulted in junk values to be recorded. Initial idea was to use one LED to transmit data but it became impossible to differentiate an empty byte or standby status.

Accomplishments that I'm proud of

Successfully replicated the Air-hopping attack. Solving clock synchronization using similarities with parallel functions, convergence/divergence.

What I learned

Arduino skills and a lot more python. Serial communication from PC to arduino. Parsing string into bytes. Importance of a multidisciplinary mindset in tackling problems between hardware and software.

What's next for LED Air-Gap

Testing out different analog signals such as vibrations from fan speed, emitting ultrasound, and temperature change.

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