The new USB killer Pendrive v3.0 is out and is quite lethal compared to its previous version. It can destroy or burn any computer system that has a USB port (USB host interface). Yes, any system, right from smartphones that support USB OTG mode to a TV that supports USB inputs, can be incapacitated by this compact USB pendrive.
It takes just a few seconds once you plug it in, and it makes sure all the parts get bricked, including hard drives.
This is a totally new type of lethal device that is able to destroy computer systems physically, unlike malware that often erases or steals your important data. Originally, the device was designed to destroy unwanted components. Once plugged in through a USB cord, it can actually destroy any of the sensitive components.
According to the creator of this USB device, a Russian security researcher nicknamed ‘Dark Purple’, the principle of operation is as follows:
Connecting this USB to the USB port starts the operation of the voltage converter, which rapidly discharges a capacitor or sends “-220” volts through the USB interface. Repeat the entire process until everything possible in the computer is broken down.
Popularly known as USB Kill 3.0 by the technology manufacturers in Hong Kong, this device was a great push towards modernization of hardware testing for power surges. Thus, when it is connected to any of the devices using a power surge, it shows its effect by destroying the device. It has been on the market for $49.95.
How does the device work?
The USB Killer Pendrive starts working when it charges itself through devices (like a laptop, PC, TV, etc.) connected to the USB cord. It charges its capacitors through the power supply and suddenly discharges all the matter present in the laptop within seconds.
Within a single second, it charges and discharges multiple numbers of times. Until the USB Kill Stick is removed, it discharges the data from the host device at 200 volts of DC power.
Benefits of using the device
The USB kill stick has provided multiple benefits to many people, like journalists and activists, and, not to forget, has been a great boon for cybercriminals. Using this device, they can keep sensitive data away from cyber thieves as well as from law enforcement.
However, the developers say that the USB Kill Stick 3.0 was developed to allow companies to prevent data theft via juice jacking attacks and also test their devices against USB power surge attacks.
It is noted that over 95% of the devices present on the market in recent times are prone to surge power attacks through the USB ports. Anyhow, devices like the Apple MacBook are some of the latest devices that are not vulnerable to attacks.
What is juice jacking?
Juice jacking is a kind of cybercrime where the computer quickly copies the data from a smartphone, laptop, tablet, or other device simply by using the USB charging port cable.
Watch the video demonstration below:
Where is it used?
The device has been utilized by the hardware designers of public machines to check on their products, like copy machines, photo booths, ticket terminals, airline entertainment systems, and a lot more. The check is made to ensure that all the devices can resist electrical attacks.
This device has also been used by the consumer hardware designers of smartphones, laptops, TVs, etc. to protect sensitive devices from malicious attacks; testing can be done through USB kill.
The device has been in high demand by the general public too, in order to get their own devices tested or kill them. However, the technology manufacturers have also launched a new product along with USB kill known as Test Shield. It serves as a USB protection shield to prevent the USB killer stick from destroying the host computer.
This USB Killer Pendrive first began gaining attention in March when ‘Dark Purple’ first revealed it. Since then, it has been a hot topic in the computer security realm. As a proof of concept for this new version 3.0, ‘Dark Purple’ posted a video that shows USB Killer 3.0 in action.
Dark Purple says that the Lenovo Thinkpad X60 laptop that appears to have been destroyed in the video will “live” as his new motherboard is on the way.
The design and development of this device have been tested and marked as safe. It is known to be a high-voltage device and is strictly recommended for use only by adults. The developers of this product as well as the sellers strictly restrict any adverse or malicious use of this product.
The USB protection shield, the Test Shield, can also be bought with the USB kill for just $15.75.
So the next time somebody asks you to just plug in their USB drive to your computer system, you should be wary of doing that.
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