Kaspersky develops new technology to prevent unauthorized audio surveillance

This first-of-its-kind technology has been included in Kaspersky's flagship security solutions products in the ‘home’ use category.
Kaspersky develops new technology to prevent unauthorized audio surveillance
Kaspersky develops new technology to prevent unauthorized audio surveillance
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Internet security solutions firm Kaspersky Lab of Russia has claims that it has patented a new product that can help prevent any unauthorized snooping on the audio conversations you carry on in your device using the mic fitted in it.

The way this new technology works is to protect the Windows Audio service ecosystem within which the microphone operates and preventing any unauthorized commands being sent through the service to the microphone. It also warns the user whenever any new application or a new audio stream is created on the device.

The underlying technique developed by Kaspersky is based on pre-determined categorization of programs depending on the contents, the originator of the program and also the reputation the creator of the program enjoys. These can then be identified as being trustworthy or should be restricted for use on the device in which Kaspersky’s security fix is running.

Extending this technique, when any such unauthorized program tries to penetrate the audio ecosystem and sends commands, the Kaspersky product jumps into the fray and prevents such a command from being accepted by the microphone.

The security specialist company has managed to meet the challenge posed by the Windows environment where multiple recording of sounds is made feasible through applications at the same time.

Kaspersky’s efforts have been to master this through development of this solution that is able to exercise control on the commands between the different services within the Windows Audio service.

Kaspersky claims that this is a first of a kind solution and the company has included it in its flagship security solutions products in the ‘home’ use category. These products are called Kaspersky Total Solutions and Kaspersky Internet Security.

Some of the other solutions offered by the company include the protection from invasion of privacy while using the webcam and also from any attempt to gather data via the browser.

All these solutions are ultimately aimed at saving the user from any kind of data theft while using a device running on Windows. By patenting the technology and then offering it as part of its regular security solutions products, Kaspersky is trying to be offer much needed support to the customers.

Image: David Orban via Flickr

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