New Technique Allows Websites to Monitor Visitors' SSD Activity

Websites are adopting a new method to track visitors by analyzing interactions with solid-state drives (SSDs). This technique, known as FROST (fingerprinting remotely using OPFS-based SSD timing), enables sites to monitor other websites being viewed and applications open on users' devices. The method is detailed in a research paper and exploits a side channel, which is a form of data leak that can arise from physical phenomena such as electromagnetic emissions or task completion times. By measuring these manifestations, it is possible for attackers to decrypt encrypted traffic and gather confidential information.