New cyber threat offers potentially useful tool for militaries
Keysight Technologies has discovered a new technique for data exfiltration. (Photo: Keysight)
A novel method of data exfiltration could enable undetectable long-range communications in hostile battle zones.
Vulnerabilities in Medium Access Control (MAC) layer protocols can be exploited for undetectable long-range communications using third-party networks in a new technique dubbed Sparrow.
The technique also enables hackers or cyber attackers to leak data from compromised systems, said Reza Soosahabi, a researcher and engineer at US-based Keysight Technologies who discovered this novel method of data exfiltration.
Soosahabi explained to Shephard how Sparrow works: ‘This vulnerability is the result of having unprotected broadcast signals in MAC layer procedures that can be implicitly controlled by anonymous user devices.’
A MAC layer protocol is responsible for moving data packets from one network to another via
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
You may also like
More from Digital Battlespace
-
![Airbus launches final CSO observation satellite for French Armed Forces]()
Airbus launches final CSO observation satellite for French Armed Forces
Airbus was awarded the Composante Spatiale Optique (CSO) contract at the end of 2010. This included an option for a third satellite, which was activated after Germany joined the programme in 2015.
-
![Intelligence advantage: How real-time GEOINT is reshaping military decision-making (Studio)]()
Intelligence advantage: How real-time GEOINT is reshaping military decision-making (Studio)
In today’s contested operational environment, adaptability is key. The new Geospatial-Intelligence as a Service (GEO IaaS) solution from Fujitsu and MAIAR empowers militaries by enabling intelligence advantage, combining advanced technology with human expertise to deliver actionable insights.
-
![Israel sets up new department to boost development of AI and autonomy]()
Israel sets up new department to boost development of AI and autonomy
Israel will continue to develop autonomy for its weapons and platforms as it brings together defence personnel, academia and industry.
-
![Clavister contracted to supply cyber protection for CV90s]()
Clavister contracted to supply cyber protection for CV90s
Clavister CyberArmour, an integrated defence cybersecurity system, will be used on BAE Systems Hägglunds’ CV90 platform in deployments with a Scandinavian country, as well as in an eastern European nation.
-
![Lockheed Martin completes tactical satellite demonstration and prepares for launch]()
Lockheed Martin completes tactical satellite demonstration and prepares for launch
The tactical satellite (TacSat) is an intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) system and will participate in exercises in 2025.
-
![AUSA 2024: General Micro Systems adds four new products to the X9 Spider family]()
AUSA 2024: General Micro Systems adds four new products to the X9 Spider family
The airborne three-domain, the two ground-based and the ¼ ATR OpenVPX-based cross-domain systems were engineered to provide real-time security across multi-domain operations.
