Is your data safe? It can be stolen without you even noticing it!

I first heard about eavesdropping, when it became known to me that at Panasonic TOUGHBOOK we have a Swedish partner who almost exclusively has been dealing with securing devices against this form of interception for more than 35 years. This is of great relevance since we produce ultra-rugged computers and tablets for use in mixed military, police, ambulance services and fire departments. The devices must be able to withstand harsh physical treatments and additionally sustain the strict requirements for optimum security as well as guarantee the least possible risk of cyber-attacks. It goes without saying that the military, police and authorities will do pretty much anything to not be intercepted or have their information stolen. 

Panasonic collaborates with this Swedish partner – Comex Electronics AB – simply because more and more of our customers want and need the highest possible protection at a time when Sweden is very much the focal point of international cyber-attacks and interceptions – partly as a result of the war in Ukraine. Ordinary companies are therefore requesting high-level protective measures to secure their data.  With every reason I hear, my understanding grows.

The frightening scenarios line up. Especially, if you know a little bit about what companies and cybercriminals are capable of. Let me tell you the story of an ethical hacker from Sweden attempting to eavesdrop a company. After making an antenna out of a coat hanger, he bought some simple equipment entirely legally on the Internet for less than 3000 Swedish kronor and downloaded some free programs on the Internet. That was all he had to do to succeed with the data theft. Imagine what an entire state with malicious intentions and unlimited resources can do. 

Perhaps I would have been happier and less worried, if I didn't know anything about compromising emanation, or eavesdropping. – But I do, because it is relevant to my work, and because the use of this intercepting technique is experiencing a massive growth in Sweden. I am sorry if I've ruined your day and your cybersecurity illusions. However, I feel it is time to spread the knowledge of the intruders’ and interceptors’ scariest discipline, which unfortunately is still unknown territory for too many of us. The scariest thing of all is, that eavesdropping is invisible and leaves no traces. 

In any case, please consider yourselves and your company warned.