Drones breach underwater communications: A new security risk

Researchers from Princeton and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology have created an innovative approach that allows drones to intercept underwater acoustic messages. "This work shows that sensitive information can be leaked in ways that previously haven’t been considered," said Poorya Mollahosseini from Princeton University, co-author of the study. This technology challenges previous assumptions about the security of underwater transmissions.

The research team developed a device using radar to eavesdrop on underwater acoustic signals. This technique involves decoding tiny vibrations that the signals create on the water's surface. Tests conducted in a pool using a commercial drone and radar showed that the system can decode messages even with interference.

Scientists also conducted tests in a real environment at Carnegie Lake in Princeton. The results showed that the system can determine unknown parameters and decode messages with 98% accuracy. Even with interference caused by wind and waves, this technology proved effective.

This technology poses new security threats because it can be used to intercept sensitive data from climate monitoring sensors, drilling platforms, or submarines. Yasaman Ghasempour from Princeton emphasizes that the team's intent is not only to warn about the vulnerabilities of underwater transmissions but also to discuss methods for preventing interception.

Research has shown that the design parameters of underwater communication links significantly impact their vulnerability to attacks. The team presented recommendations for designing transmitters that are more resistant to eavesdropping. The National Science Foundation, the Office of Naval Research, and the Project X Innovation Fund from Princeton University supported this work.