TEMPEST Attacks and Cybersecurity

Year 2019, Volume: 5 Issue: 3, 100 - 104, 30.09.2019

Hakan Aydın

Abstract

Broad usage of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) and the
Internet have made cybersecurity a vital issue. One of the less known threat
for cybersecurity is TEMPEST (Transient Electromagnetic Pulse Emanation
Standard) which has become more apparent today. TEMPEST is an information
security term that refers to the examination and control of unwanted
electromagnetic energy emissions caused by electrical and electronic devices.
As a result of TEMPEST attacks, confidential information such as state secrets,
personal information such as bank passwords, and more information can be passed
on to the attackers. Unlike other known cyber-attack methods, TEMPEST attack
methods are kept secret and those who are exposed to TEMPEST attacks are not
aware of these attacks. The concept of TEMPEST is a less known cybersecurity
component which can cause much greater damage if the necessary cybersecurity
measures are not taken. The purpose of this study is to present a review of
TEMPEST attacks and countermeasures. The study also highlights the importance
of using national cybersecurity products that passed the national TEMPEST
cybersecurity testing certification.

Keywords

Cybersecurity, TEMPEST, Electromagnetic Emission

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