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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: macguy80 on Thu, 26 January 2017, 00:06:27

Title: Original Apple Wireless Keyboard (A1016): Any less secure than current models?
Post by: macguy80 on Thu, 26 January 2017, 00:06:27

Hi,

Just curious if anyone knows: Since there have been advances in Bluetooth technology, does this mean that the original Bluetooth keyboard's encryption is weaker than a current-gen Apple board? I prefer the full-travel keys, rubber dome or not, to scissor switches, but won't use it if its age presents a security risk.

Thanks!

Title: Re: Original Apple Wireless Keyboard (A1016): Any less secure than current models?
Post by: pomk on Thu, 26 January 2017, 06:29:28

The encryption is better as of 4.0, meaning that at least last gen apple wireless (which used 3.0 afaik) was just as secure as your device I imagine. No need to be so paranoid about wireless security and keyboards, as even wired ones can be sniffed with small effort: https://www.usenix.org/legacy/events/sec09/tech/full_papers/vuagnoux.pdf (https://www.usenix.org/legacy/events/sec09/tech/full_papers/vuagnoux.pdf)

The main thing in 4.0 versus legacy keyboards is in latency and minimum idle power consumption.