Wireless keyboard hacking has become popular again since Kali released Nethunter and other tools such as Keysweeper.
These hacks are nothing new, and many keyboard manufacturers have begun to encrypt wireless keyboard signals with the AES algorithm.
The bad news is many cheap off-the-shelf keyboards do not encrypt the signal.
How Do These Hacks Work?
Sniffers are used to seek out and grab any keys that are typed into a keyboard. Some of these sniffers work on smartphones, with the tool Nethunter turning an Android phone into a wireless keyboard sniffer.
Some hackers use antennas to pick up a signal and decode it. This is the most common approach to use specialized radio equipment to pick up wireless signals from a distance and then decode them.
While other ways are to place a seemingly harmless device such as a USB wall charger in a home which will store all the keyboard strokes. Many of these will also boost the wireless signal so that it can be sent to a hacker; advanced ones use a SIM card and the cell phone network.
So What Does This All Mean?
Some wireless keyboards are encrypted between the USB adapter and the keyboard while some are not. So if you care about passwords, credit card information, or any critical data entered into a keyboard, buying a secure wireless keyboard is a good idea for security.
How Do You Buy a Secure Wireless Keyboard
This one is simple, be sure it uses the AES encryption algorithm. Any keyboard that transmits in the clear will be easily hacked.
Some keyboards take it a step farther, such as not using the 2.4GHz range and proprietary security, which make them more expensive.
Below are examples of secure wireless keyboards with AES Encryption.
Before buying a new keyboard be sure to check if the one you are using has AES built-in.
As always be sure to read the reviews on Amazon, forums, here, or elsewhere to be sure a unit is a good fit for you.
*This post contains affiliate links.
Our Picks for Best Secure Wireless AES Encrypted Keyboards
- CHERRY B.Unlimited
- Logitech MK520
- Microsoft 3050 with AES
CHERRY B.Unlimited 3.0 – Wireless Keyboard+Mouse – US Layout – QWERTY Keyboard Approval – Black
The Cheery B. wireless keyboard is a standard keyboard mouse combo that also includes AES Encryption.
It uses the wireless 2.4Ghz range to transmit and has a range of roughly 30 feet.
Logitech MK520 Wireless Keyboard and Mouse Combo — Keyboard and Mouse, Long Battery Life, Secure 2.4GHz Connectivity
Logitech is a well-known manufacturer of electronic devices and has many good 128-bit AES encrypted keyboards.
The MK520 is a keyboard mouse combo set that works in the 2.4GHz frequency.
Microsoft Wireless Desktop 3050 with AES (PP3-00001)
This is a good secure wireless keyboard from Microsoft that is a good basic all-around unit.
Summary
Capturing wireless keyboard strokes is nothing new and has been around for many years.
Most people always run a computer firewall and antivirus protection but forget about keyboard commands being sent wirelessly.
If you are working from home you likely don’t need to worry about wireless keyboard loggers.
If you work in a busy environment such as an office using a secure AES keyboard will help secure your information.
I have a k380 how can I tell if it uses AES? I can’t find a tool that tells me the encryption algorithm.