Optical Time-Domain Eavesdropping Risks of CRT Displays

  • Authors:
  • Markus G. Kuhn

  • Affiliations:
  • -

  • Venue:
  • SP '02 Proceedings of the 2002 IEEE Symposium on Security and Privacy
  • Year:
  • 2002

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Abstract

A new eavesdropping technique can be used to read cathode-ray tube(CRT) displays at a distance. The intensity of the light emitted by araster-scan screen as a function of time corresponds to the videosignal convolved with the impulse response of the phosphors.Experiments with a typical personal computer color monitor show thatenough high-frequency content remains in the emitted light to permitthe reconstruction of readable text by deconvolving the signalreceived with a fast photosensor. These optical compromisingemanations can be received even after diffuse reflection from a wall.Shot noise from background light is the critical performance factor.In a sufficiently dark environment and with a large enough sensoraperture, practically significant reception distances are possible.This information security risk should be considered in applicationswith high confidentiality requirements, especially in those thatalready require "TEMPEST"-shielded equipment designed to minimizeradio-frequency emission-security concerns.