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Israel

Israeli scientists discover way to spy on conversations using a lightbulb

Researchers found that when a lightbulb is hit by soundwaves, the surface vibrates and the resulting light emissions can be picked up by sensors

June 16, 2020 08:22
Lightbulbs
1 min read

Israeli scientists have found a way to listen to what someone is saying in a room more than 80 ft away - by pointing a telescope at a lightbulb.

Ben Nassi, a security researcher at Ben-Gurion University, led the study into the spyware, which requires a laptop and equipment costing under £1000.

The new invention has been called the "lamphone".

After a lightbulb is touched by soundwaves, the surface vibrates and the resulting light emissions are picked up by sensors.