The USB Killer – Now available to purchase!

In October 2015, news came out about USB killer, a seemingly innocuous USB stick that fries nearly any device it's inserted into with a bolt of electricity. 

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Back then, it was a proof of concept, interesting mostly to security researchers and folks who work on USB standards. Now, however, the USB killer has become a gadget anyone can buy!

According to USB Killer's webpage, it's a "testing device" which should be a part of every security auditor and hardware designer's arsenal. The company is also selling the USB Test Shield, a gadget that purportedly lets you safely test a device's resistance to USB Killer's high voltage attack.

The USB Killer's website claims it will destroy 95% of devices it's inserted into. With that kind of destructive capability, one has to wonder how many of these sticks will actually be bought by security experts, and how many by pranksters, hackers and malicious individuals looking to destroy someone else's equipment. 

The details of who, exactly, is behind the project are somewhat murky. Originally, the USB Killer was demonstrated on video by a Russian hacker known only as Dark Purple. Now, the USB Killer website does not mention who's actually selling the product.

When asked about the potential for abuse, USB Killer responded that they're aware of the risk, but they compare hardware vulnerabilities to software security holes, claiming that raising awareness about these issues will force companies to use better protection for their hardware. 

Interestingly, USB Killer says that 95% of hardware is vulnerable to this attack, but that does not include Apple, which is the only company to protect its hardware voluntarily.

So what can individuals do to protect their equipment from such an attack? USB Killer has three possible solutions, the most important being: Don't trust unknown hardware. Alternatively, you can use a USB-protection device, or physically cap your USB ports when you're away from the device. 

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Even though it's a high-voltage device, the USB Killer is touted to be "totally safe." That may be so, but we still wouldn't recommend anyone except security/hardware professionals to try it out. 


Looking for affordable IT services and equipment? Contact The Computer Guyz today on sales@tcgcape.co.za or 087 001 0511/2

Comments

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