Science & Tech · Cybersecurity · 3 hrs ago
Researchers demonstrate USB-based data theft from air-gapped computers
Researchers at Korea University and 78ResearchLab demonstrated a way to extract data from air-gapped computers.
These systems are kept separate from networks to protect sensitive information, but an attacker must first gain root or administrator access to the target.
The method, called SPECTER, manipulates USB devices to create signals that could be detected through a phone’s charging status, a peripheral’s behavior or electromagnetic emissions.
Tests on Windows 10 and Ubuntu 22.04 sent data at 0.2 to 1 bit per second.
That is slow, but could expose small files such as credentials or cryptographic keys.
The activity may cause visible notifications or disrupt connected devices, so security teams are advised to monitor unusual USB power and device-state changes.
Researchers at Korea University and 78ResearchLab demonstrated a USB-based method called SPECTER for extracting data from air-gapped computers.
The technique manipulates USB power-management and device-state controls to create signals that can be detected through a smartphone, peripheral behavior or electromagnetic emissions.
It requires root or administrator privileges on the target computer.
Tests on Windows 10 and Ubuntu 22.04 transmitted data at 0.2 to 1 bit per second.
The researchers said the slow rate limits the method to small files, while USB activity may trigger visible notifications or interrupt peripherals.
- Who
- Researchers at Korea University and 78ResearchLab developed the technique.
- What
- SPECTER uses USB signals to extract data from air-gapped computers.
- When
- The research was reported on November 3, 2026.
- Where
- Tests were conducted on Windows 10 and Ubuntu 22.04 computers.
- Why
- To demonstrate a way to extract sensitive data from systems isolated from networks.
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- Technique
- SPECTER
- Researchers
- Korea University and 78ResearchLab
- Tested operating systems
- Windows 10 and Ubuntu 22.04
- Transmission rate
- 0.2 to 1 bit per second
- Privileges required
- Root or administrator access