Researchers at the University of Arizona’s College of Engineering are developing software and methods to increase cybersecurity for Wi-Fi users. Wi-Fi communications transmit data packets, also known as signatures that contain an identifying header and content that can be easily intercepted by hackers with commercially available radio hardware. This data can then be analyzed to associate certain characteristics of the Wi-Fi user to possibly capture a user’s personal information.
The researchers are developing new methods to transmit data wirelessly without signatures using cognitive radios, directional antennas, and a variety of wireless gadgets. The goal of the project is to develop software that can be installed on wireless devices that would thwart eavesdropping.
