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Whyn do I need encryption on a trackball?

Started by Cynthia Moore , May 21 2024 01:27 AM

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#1 Cynthia Moore

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Posted 21 May 2024 - 01:27 AM

The Kensington TB450 Wireless Trackball Mouse, among others, claims it has 128-bit AES encryption.

 

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0CJM2VD95/

 

Why would I need encryption on a trackball?


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#2 MoxieMomma

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Posted 21 May 2024 - 01:35 AM

Why?

TMALSS For data security when using wireless connection.

This is for a different brand device, but page 4 explains encryption:
https://www.logitech.com/content/dam/logitech/en/business/pdf/logi-bolt-white-paper.pdf

This may not be "must have" for a consumer using the device in a private home (vs. a business, enterprise or public environment)....

HTH

#3 MoxieMomma

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Posted 21 May 2024 - 01:39 AM

Scroll down to the last bullet under PRODUCT INFORMATION


https://store.kensington.com/products/pro-fit%C2%AE-ergo-tb450-trackball?variant=43877071716610&utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic_shopping&utm_campaign=surfaces&srsltid=AfmBOorBOXMwgADsnOIi77QgtLjbjCia2nm8rIbzQmXihiISrzQrvdRP07o

#4 Cynthia Moore

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Posted 21 May 2024 - 01:45 AM

I read both of those, but I still don't understand

 

How can a hacker intercept a trackball wireless signal? Wouldn't they already have to have gained access to the computer? If they have that, what do they need the trackball signal for?


Running Windows 11 & Office 365

 

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#5 MoxieMomma

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Posted 21 May 2024 - 01:54 AM

No, physical access to the computer is not required to "hack"/intercept wireless signals.

The need for encrypted data tranmission is greater in public or business environments, vs. a secure home network.

Generic article (not specific to "wireless mouse"):
https://www.cnet.com/home/internet/stop-home-network-hackers-top-10-tips-to-protect-your-wi-fi-security/

Bottom line: encryption = good.

I'm sure the infosec experts here will explain it better than I can.

#6 Cynthia Moore

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Posted 21 May 2024 - 02:08 AM

Ok, I read that article. It does not mention mice or trackballs at all.

 

I understand that wireless signals can be "seen" by others. I understand that intercepting my wi-fi transmission to the Internet could reveal sensitive data. But how is a hacker going to make use of the signal from my trackball? Doesn't it just tell the PC things like where to move the cursor and when to click on something? I can understand how a wireless keyboard, that I use to type passwords, can reveal sensitive data, but what data is sent by the trackball that I wouldn't want seen?

 


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My motto: Anything worth doing is worth overdoing.

When it comes to crastinating, I am a pro.

#7 cryptodan

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Posted 21 May 2024 - 08:27 AM

Ok, I read that article. It does not mention mice or trackballs at all.
 
I understand that wireless signals can be "seen" by others. I understand that intercepting my wi-fi transmission to the Internet could reveal sensitive data. But how is a hacker going to make use of the signal from my trackball? Doesn't it just tell the PC things like where to move the cursor and when to click on something? I can understand how a wireless keyboard, that I use to type passwords, can reveal sensitive data, but what data is sent by the trackball that I wouldn't want seen?


Bluetooth can be used to send files and files could contain malicious code. Your mouse could be the entry point to your system if a successful exploit of a vulnerability is completed.

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#8 Cynthia Moore

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Posted 21 May 2024 - 05:44 PM

Bluetooth can be used to send files and files could contain malicious code. Your mouse could be the entry point to your system if a successful exploit of a vulnerability is completed.


Ok, thanks


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#9 Shplad

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Posted 28 June 2024 - 07:03 PM

I would've balked at this year ago, but...

 

A friend of mine worked in an office he rented with thin walls. One day, his mouse started moving when he wasn't touching it. It never managed to click on anything appropriate. He then remembered having donuts with the woman from the office next door. She had told him she'd just bought a new mouse/keyboard combo...guess what.


- Use this to collect and post information about your PC hardware, software and configuration (Whether or not you have crashing).

 

Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) Posting Instructions - Windows 10, 8.1, 8, 7 & Vista

https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/t/576314/blue-screen-of-death-bsod-posting-instructions-windows-10-81-8-7-vista/

 

 

#10 cryptodan

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Posted 28 June 2024 - 07:30 PM

Lol

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#11 Shplad

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Posted 28 June 2024 - 07:39 PM

It's a true story. This was before they used security codes on mice and keyboards many years ago.


- Use this to collect and post information about your PC hardware, software and configuration (Whether or not you have crashing).

 

Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) Posting Instructions - Windows 10, 8.1, 8, 7 & Vista

https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/t/576314/blue-screen-of-death-bsod-posting-instructions-windows-10-81-8-7-vista/

 

 

#12 cryptodan

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Posted 28 June 2024 - 07:47 PM

I can imagine I was loling at the plausibilty know my background and the humor of it all. Thinking your house was hautned

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#13 Dominique1

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Posted 30 June 2024 - 01:29 AM

I do the same with VNC. :grinner:


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