Wireless keyboards have been around us for a long time. And as technology continues to advance, wireless keyboards are becoming more and more popular among computer and laptop users. Using a wireless keyboard, you don’t have to deal with wires and they are easy to store in drawers when you don’t need them.
Nowadays, many computer users prefer using a wireless keyboard due to its convenience and wide range. But Have you ever wondered if your wireless keyboard is secure? Can it be easily accessed? What security features does it offer?
As a general rule, wireless keyboards encrypt their data before sending it back to the computers they are paired with. Thus, hackers won’t be able to understand the data stream. Unfortunately, sometimes the encryption is not executed well, making them vulnerable to cyberattacks.
By exploiting this vulnerability, hackers can access your data, steal your passwords, access your personal information, and even hijack your keyboard to control your computer.
In this article, I will provide an in-depth answer to the question – are wireless keyboards secure? Also, I will be sharing some of the easy tips on how you can make your wireless keyboard even more secure.
So, without further talk, let’s get started.
Before answering the main question, let’s have a closer look at how wireless keyboards even work.
The working of a wireless keyboard is not that complicated. If we talk about wired keyboards, the keyboard is directly connected to the computer and the signal is transmitted by the computer through the cable. But in the case of wireless keyboards, signal transmission occurs through infrared or radio frequency (RF).
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The working of a wireless keyboard is similar to a wireless mouse. You plug a USB (Universal Serial Bus) receiver into one of the USB ports on your computer which receives the signals from your keyboard.
However, wireless keyboards that come with USB receivers have a limited range of operation. Normally, wireless keyboards offer up to a 10-meter wireless range. There are also some wireless keyboards that work in the line of sight of the computer.
What Is AES Encryption?
The Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) is a security specification that was developed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to protect classified information. Throughout the world, AES is used to encrypt sensitive data in software and hardware.
AES encrypts data packets before they are sent over wireless networks. It ensures that your data is protected during transit by using end-to-end encryption.
Are Wireless Keyboards Secure?
Wireless keyboards have long been the subject of security concerns. Although almost all the wireless keyboards out there use AES encryption technology to ensure safe communication between the keyboard and USB receiver connected to a computer, still hackers can intercept the wireless connection and extract valuable information.
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Bastille, a security startup that tracks internet devices has found that wireless keyboard dongles could provide hackers a simple way to remotely access and take over your computer. Hackers send unencrypted input to the dongle, access the attached computer, and steal valuable user information.
Also, researchers from Bastille have found a design flaw in some of the most popular and branded wireless keyboards which include Logitech, Dell, and Lenovo. As a result of this flaw, hackers can intercept the wireless connection of your keyboard from up to 100 meters away. They can see what you are typing, steal valuable information such as passwords, control your computer, or add malware.
Earlier this year, a security researcher has discovered a flaw in the encryption technology used in several Microsoft wireless keyboards. By taking advantage of this flaw, hackers in the next office suite or hotel room can easily spy on everything being typed on the keyboard. Even the hacker can control the keyboard remotely and send fake signals to the connected computer.
These security flaws in wireless keyboards are not new. As wireless networks become more common, you can expect to hear more about wireless exploits and attacks. Therefore, if you want to stay safe then you need to know how to secure these wireless connections.
How To Make Your Wireless Keyboard More Secure?
The fact that wireless keyboards have all the problems noted above does not mean you should stop using them. A wireless keyboard can be made more secure by following a few methods. Here I am going to mention a few of them.
1. If you want to make your wireless keyboard more secure, you should first educate yourself on this topic and make sure you are familiar with the security issues. Also, if you work in an office, ensure that your coworkers are aware of their security-related responsibilities.
2. Make sure you change the default settings of your wireless keyboards. The reason for this is that hackers can easily identify the model number of your keyboard, allowing him to connect to your wireless network.
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3. Having a strong PIN code is very important, but many people forget about it. Create a long code that combines letters and numbers. It makes it hard for hackers to extract your passwords.
4. Keep an eye on your environment. If you are in a public place or close to windows then it is better to not pair your keyboard with your computer or laptop.
5. When you are not using your wireless keyboard, it is better to keep it turned off.
Conclusion
Most of us know how to run a computer firewall and install an anti-virus program, but few of us consider how to secure our wireless connections. In addition, we rarely think about how secure the devices we use on a regular basis are.
In this article, we have tried to answer the question – are wireless keyboards secure in detail. We covered everything you need to know about the security of your wireless keyboard.
Following the simple directions above will ensure that you’ll have nothing to worry about and that you’ll finally be able to enjoy all the amazing advantages of using a wireless keyboard.
Now that you’ve understood this topic, there shouldn’t be any confusion. You can read our other articles to enrich your knowledge.
Thanks for being with us 🙂
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