Wi-Fi routers can be converted into inconspicuous cameras, allowing the recording of events in residential premises or offices. This was demonstrated during an experiment conducted by the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology in Germany, involving 197 volunteers.
The researchers proved the possibility of using Wi-Fi signals to generate high-quality images that allow for human identification with accuracy approaching 100%.
This is possible because routers and devices connected to a Wi-Fi network exchange data via electromagnetic waves that can be intercepted. It is sufficient to use a standard laptop with software developed by scientists and be within the range of a specific Wi-Fi network without connecting to it.
According to the study authors, the problem lies in the beamforming technology, which has been used since the Wi-Fi 5 standard and can be utilized to create these images.