Researchers from the University of Waterloo in Canada have developed a device that can use a Wi-Fi network to see the walls of buildings.

The device, called Wi-Peep, can fly near a building and then use the residents’ Wi-Fi network to identify and locate all Wi-Fi-enabled devices in seconds. According to the researchers, the device is involved in location-revealing privacy attacks that use Wi-Fi networks to see beyond walls.

Wi-Peep exploits an existing technological weakness that researchers call polite Wi-Fi. Even if the network is password protected, the smart device will automatically respond to contact attempts from any other device within range.

The device, which weighs less than 10 grams, is mounted on an ordinary home drone and then flies around the house from the outside. Wi-Peep sends multiple messages to the device during flight and then measures the response time of each message, ensuring that the device is within one meter.

“Wi-Peep devices are like light in the visible spectrum and walls are like glass”said Dr. Ali Abedi. “Using similar technology, it is possible to track the movements of security guards within the bank by tracking the location of their phones or smart watches”.

It can also identify the location and type of smart devices in the home, including CCTV cameras, laptops, and smart TVs. Additionally, the device’s drone operation means it can be used quickly and remotely without the user having a chance to be detected.

In the past, researchers have investigated WiFi vulnerabilities using bulky and expensive devices. However, Wi-Peep, which is made of ready-to-use electronics and costs only $ 20, draws attention with its affordable price.