Hazards and protective measures for wireless systems

IoT security Researchers discover new attack vector in Wi-Fi

2025-03-06 Source: Ruhr University Bochum | Translated by AI 1 min Reading Time

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Criminals love wireless systems in and around the home. Researchers from Bochum have now identified another threat in Wi-Fi systems.

Preemptive strike! Paul Staat (left) and Philipp Mackesensen from Ruhr University Bochum (RUB) have discovered new attack possibilities on Wi-Fi. Their discovery can stop criminals, even if they think they have new tricks up their sleeves.(Image: RUB / Marquard) — Preemptive strike! Paul Staat (left) and Philipp Mackesensen from Ruhr University Bochum (RUB) have discovered new attack possibilities on Wi-Fi. Their discovery can stop criminals, even if they think they have new tricks up their sleeves.
(Image: RUB / Marquard)

By manipulating radio signals, smart home doors can also be opened without authorization or car doors prevented from closing. Jamming attacks are particularly effective. These are jamming signals that overlay legitimate communication, causing the user to experience a denial of service. Previously, such jamming attacks were relatively easy to carry out, but had the disadvantage that they often unintentionally affected neighboring devices. Researchers from the Ruhr University Bochum have, however, come up with a solution.

From attack scenario to protective measure

Through the targeted use of RIS technology (reconfigurable, "intelligent" surfaces), interference signals could be more precisely controlled to minimize their impact on other devices. RIS are software-controlled surfaces that originate from metamaterial research and can specifically control radio waves, as the researchers explain. Their unique capabilities make them a promising addition to future 6G mobile networks. The prototype used in the study was developed in collaboration with scientists from TH Cologne. The RIS device can be imagined as a disco ball reflecting radio waves – with the key difference that each facet can be precisely adjusted to direct the waves exactly where they are needed. This allowed the experts to selectively disrupt only one of two devices, even when they were just five millimeters apart. Based on this finding, targeted countermeasures can now be taken.

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