Your WiFi router knows it's you
Researchers have discovered that ordinary WiFi can accurately recognize individuals based on how their bodies disrupt radio waves. This technology allows for identification without the need for personal devices, as even nearby connected devices can provide enough signal activity for detection. The implications for privacy are significant, as turning off smartphones does not prevent this form of surveillance.
- ▪WiFi can recognize individuals by observing how their bodies disturb radio waves.
- ▪The technology functions similarly to a camera, using radio waves instead of light waves for recognition.
- ▪Nearby wireless devices can still generate enough signal activity for detection, even if personal devices are turned off.
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Your WiFi router knows it's you Jason Weisberger 8:53 am Tue May 26, 2026 Turns out you may not need to carry a tracking device everywhere if the room itself is already doing the job: researchers say ordinary WiFi can recognize individuals with startling accuracy just from the way their bodies disturb radio waves. "By observing the propagation of radio waves, we can create an image of the surroundings and of persons who are present," says Professor Thorsten Strufe from KASTEL — KIT's Institute of Information Security and Dependability. "This works similar to a normal camera, the difference being that in our case, radio waves instead of light waves are used for the recognition," explains the cybersecurity expert.
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