Fiber Optics Bring the Bug Into the Home

Researchers from several universities in Hong Kong have investigated how accurately the effects of sound waves in fiber-optic cables can be measured. In a presentation at the 2026 Network and Distributed System Security (NDSS) Symposium in San Diego, they reported that it is possible to detect pressure fluctuations from conversations near the cables as microscopic distortions in the light signal. For cable lengths under 50 meters, they were able to reconstruct the voice signals.

They were able to recognize more than 80 percent of the spoken words uttered from a distance of 2 meters from the line. The advantage over an electronic bug is that the latter can be detected using appropriate equipment. The disadvantage of eavesdropping from a utility box on the street, however, is street noise and vibrations caused by traffic. The sensor technology would need to be installed nearby (within 50 meters) inside the building during a “technician visit.”

Translated with DeepL.com (free version)

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