Sound gun against smart devices. Free Technical Library News

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Sound gun vs smart devices

06.08.2017

Alibaba Security has unveiled a technology for influencing sound and ultrasound on "smart" devices, the operation of which depends on the functioning of gyroscopes, accelerometers and other sensors based on microelectromechanical systems (MEMS). Such a sonic "cannon" could theoretically be used to shoot down drones, disorientate robots, virtual and augmented reality systems, and attack the systems of self-driving robotic cars.

Most gyroscopic sensors use microelectromechanical systems with one or two mechanical oscillatory elements. Each of these elements oscillates at its own resonant frequency, which depends on the spatial position of the sensor, on the speed of movement and on acceleration. And the signal of such a sensor is the result of subtracting or adding the oscillation frequencies of the sensitive elements. An external source of oscillations, the frequency of which corresponds to the resonant frequency of oscillations of the sensor elements, can interfere with the operation of this sensor, forcing it to transmit distorted and unreliable data to the device.

Wang Zhengbo and Wang Kang, researchers at Alibaba Security, demonstrated how their custom-tuned ultrasound generator caused some of the components of the Apple iPhone 7 and Samsung Galaxy S7 mobile phones to stop working. In a further demonstration, the researchers showed how exactly the same method disables a DJI drone, virtual reality glasses, and a toy robot that can move independently and maintain balance.

To a lesser extent, the vulnerability to this type of attack was demonstrated by the Xiaomi electric scooter, whose durable plastic case suppressed acoustic vibrations, preventing them from penetrating into the area where the MEMS sensors were located. However, in this case, the problem is easily solved only by increasing the power of the emitter.

Scientists have demonstrated this kind of vulnerability in devices with MEMS sensors in order for manufacturers to take this into account and take appropriate measures. Fortunately, this can be done quite simply by placing special sound insulation around the sensors or control controllers, which effectively works in the resonant frequency range of the sensors. And such protection methods should become an integral part of devices, the incorrect operation of which can become a threat to human life or health.

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