That Laptop-Bricking USB Stick Just Got Even More Dangerous (zdnet.com)

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That Laptop-Bricking USB Stick Just Got Even More Dangerous (zdnet.com)

Posted by msmash on Thursday March 16, 2017 @10:00AM from the gadgets-destroyer dept.

From a report on ZDNet: Remember that USB stick that would destroy almost anything in its path, from laptops, photo booths, kiosks, to even cars? The makers of the USB Kill stick have created a more powerful version with a higher voltage and amp output, and a three-times faster pulse rate of up to 12 times a second. And, with microUSB, USB-C, and Lightning adapters, the USB Kill claims to be able to kill iPhones, iPads, and other devices, like phones, tablets, and digital cameras. The company says it's "designed to test the surge protection circuitry of electronics to their limits." In other words, its purpose is destroying expensive kit.

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etherkiller by Lehk228 · 2017-03-16 10:02 · Score: 1

not nearly as effective as an etherkiller, that thing can start actual fires.

--
Snowden and Manning are heroes.
1. Re:etherkiller by gurps_npc · 2017-03-16 10:13 · Score: 5, Informative
  
  You are missing the point.
  Etherkillers (and their ilk) have three prong plugs that you have to plug into an outlet with surge protection in addition to the port plugging into the computer.
  As such, it is clearly and obviously a device designed to destroy computers, and can not be mistaken for a run of the mill, safe thing to plug into your computer.
  No one - not event he stupidest cop that confiscates your device is going to make the mistake of destroying their own computer using it.
  The USB killer is in a class by itself - it can easily be used as protection against someone else viewing your data.
  The real advantage of such a device is combining it with a real, hidden USB drive, that destroy's the real data on the real memory chip when you use the obvious USB port, rather than the hidden one. Perfect to store stuff you don't want the enemy to see.
  
  --
  excitingthingstodo.blogspot.com
2. Re:etherkiller by OhSoLaMeow · 2017-03-16 10:16 · Score: 1
  
  Mate, this bird wouldn't "voom" if you put four million volts through it! 'E's bleedin' demised!
  
  --
  They can take my LifeAlert pendant when they pry it from my cold dead fingers.
3. Re:etherkiller by Anonymous Coward · 2017-03-16 10:41 · Score: 0
  
  that destroy's
  
  Con someone confirm that this mongol actually wrote that?
4. Re:etherkiller by Anonymous Coward · 2017-03-16 11:20 · Score: 0
  
  The USB killer is in a class by itself - it can easily be used as protection against someone else viewing your data.
  The real advantage of such a device is combining it with a real, hidden USB drive, that destroy's the real data on the real memory chip when you use the obvious USB port, rather than the hidden one. Perfect to store stuff you don't want the enemy to see.
  You gave me this idea:
  USB device with USBkiller attached - one port - and one switch activated by external magnet.
  no magnet - USBkiller + USB drive eraser
  magnet - USB drive
5. Re:etherkiller by Lehk228 · 2017-03-16 11:45 · Score: 1
  
  that's a lot more complicated than an encrypted volume
  
  --
  Snowden and Manning are heroes.
6. Re:etherkiller by arth1 · 2017-03-16 11:48 · Score: 2
  
  Con someone confirm that this mongol actually wrote that?
  Con someone confirm?
  Myphry's Law strikes again, it seems.
7. Re:etherkiller by BronsCon · 2017-03-16 11:56 · Score: 1
  
  It's also a lot less obvious and could appear as a broken or damaged flash drive, rather than an obviously encrypted one. No court in the world can compel you to "decrypt" a fried flash drive.
  
  --
  APK quotes people (including myself) without context and should not be trusted. Just thought you should know.
8. Re:etherkiller by sexconker · 2017-03-16 12:06 · Score: 2
  
  Con someone confirm?
  Myphry's Law strikes again, it seems.
  Myphry's Law? Muphry's law just keeps striking.
9. Re:etherkiller by sexconker · 2017-03-16 12:08 · Score: 1
  
  But when they open it up and find out what you've done they'll give you a backdoor dental exam.
10. Re:etherkiller by BronsCon · 2017-03-16 12:19 · Score: 1
  
  It's a legitimate data security device, if implemented properly (e.g. designed to fry the flash and not the computer it is plugged into); you'd be in no deeper shit from using that than you would be from using the auto-wipe functionality most phones have if the incorrect passcode is entered too many times. Meanwhile, hold out on that encryption key for too long and find yourself held in contempt of court and possibly charged with obstruction of justice and, if the DA is feeling like a dick that day, destruction of evidence.
  
  At worst, you might risk destruction of evidence with this, but you could easily argue that it is akin to auto-wipe since, well, it is.
  
  --
  APK quotes people (including myself) without context and should not be trusted. Just thought you should know.
11. Re: etherkiller by Anonymous Coward · 2017-03-16 12:23 · Score: 0
  
  DILK! It does a body good.
12. Re:etherkiller by Anonymous Coward · 2017-03-16 12:24 · Score: 0
  
  it probably blows out the ESD (TVS diodes) which results in a dead short, thus "killing" the device.
  too much power and the diode releases magic smoke and becomes an open circuit, which means the next component (probably the cpu's USB PHY) gets it's ESD protection fried and dies.
  high voltage on the power rail/ground just results in ESD & regulator blowing out. There's a chance that the high voltage gets back to the battery and causes it to explode.
  in most of these scenarious, the microSD and flash storage are probably ok and you can pull data off them. the encryption keys stored on the CPU might be lost, so they can't use that trick like with the iphone cracking.
13. Re:etherkiller by Anonymous Coward · 2017-03-16 18:48 · Score: 0, Interesting
  
  Yeah, the initial reaction to something like this is something like "CRAP! I don't want things like this out there, my gear might get destroyed!"
  But then you realize there are legitimate uses for stuff like this, like destroying police computers.
  It's actually kind of tempting to start building USB killers and start dropping them in police parking lots, just to see how much good you can do.
14. Re:etherkiller by Anonymous Coward · 2017-03-16 19:33 · Score: 0
  
  Obvious tampering.
  Settle for the drive eraser, then it will just look as if the USB-stick was empty all along.
  Heck if they put it in a computer to read it they will probably not have a lab desolder the memory chip so it would be sufficient to just let the switch fake an empty file table.
  That way you can get your data back when they can't find anything on you and you get your stuff back.
15. Re:etherkiller by gurps_npc · 2017-03-19 06:22 · Score: 1
  
  1) It's not an either/or situation. Encrypt it as well
  2) You ever build encryption software yourself? It's far more complicated. The only reason you think otherwise is that you buy off the shelf . My USB self-destructor can be built and sold rather easily. Then your only problem is 'authorities' getting wise to the appearance, which you can change every month.
  
  --
  excitingthingstodo.blogspot.com
Can't speak for the new one by waspleg · 2017-03-16 10:04 · Score: 4, Informative

but the old one has tons of youtube videos of killing shit and as someone who works K-12 this kind of thing has managers pissing their pants in fear of kids with them.
1. Re:Can't speak for the new one by chispito · 2017-03-16 10:31 · Score: 1
  
  but the old one has tons of youtube videos of killing shit and as someone who works K-12 this kind of thing has managers pissing their pants in fear of kids with them.
  Then disconnect the external USB ports on desktops and epoxy them in on laptops. There are so many ways for kids to destroy school property, why be afraid of this one?
  
  --
  The Daddy casts sleep on the Baby. The Baby resists!
2. Re:Can't speak for the new one by hondo77 · 2017-03-16 10:39 · Score: 1
  
  Then disconnect the external USB ports on desktops...
  You do realize that USB-connected devices like keyboards and mice make desktop computers really useful, don't you?
  
  --
  I live ze unknown. I love ze unknown. I am ze unknown.
3. Re:Can't speak for the new one by Anonymous Coward · 2017-03-16 11:08 · Score: 1
  
  Yeah but the question is-- who gives a fuck about this... there are so many ways to break shit-- just run a sharpie over any screen... or to update Abbie Hoffman, plug an ethernet internal network into the power mains...
  I've got another device you can use to fuck up tech laptops and it costs less than a USB stick. It's called a hammer. Version 2.0 is a glass sphere filled with dihydrogen monoxide.
  This whole obsession with this device strikes me as something for young teenagers to get all excited about because it seems edgy and dangerous, like boxes of matches and switchblades and whatnot. So fucking not scary. Some douche trashes a laptop with one of these, treat them like any vandal and move on.
  And these constant articles on slashdot are just ads for these companies. Stop it, slashdot. Just stop it.
4. Re:Can't speak for the new one by chispito · 2017-03-16 11:11 · Score: 1
  
  It was a joke. This is an interesting demonstration, but probably less likely to happen than a kid just keying the principal's car.
  
  --
  The Daddy casts sleep on the Baby. The Baby resists!
5. Re:Can't speak for the new one by Anonymous Coward · 2017-03-16 11:12 · Score: 0
  
  I've preferred PS/2 keyboards and mice since the first time I used USB ones.
6. Re:Can't speak for the new one by waspleg · 2017-03-16 12:09 · Score: 2
  
  Well, for one thing, because they could probably take out a row of machines in a computer lab before a teacher would even notice?
  It's far more subtle than just throwing a laptop on the floor and jumping on it (or 8 ... yes, this happened, no, the parents didn't pay a cent and the kid left the district without consequence).
7. Re:Can't speak for the new one by sexconker · 2017-03-16 12:09 · Score: 1
  
  Yet any student can do much more harm with a flathead screwdriver or an adjustable wrench (without even using them as weapons).
8. Re: Can't speak for the new one by Anonymous Coward · 2017-03-16 12:26 · Score: 0
  
  It's a lot easier to break a computer than that, no hammer needed.
  Just rapid fire the power button until it stops working.
9. Re:Can't speak for the new one by Anonymous Coward · 2017-03-16 13:58 · Score: 0
  
  There is no shortage of USB to PS/2 adapters in this world.
10. Re:Can't speak for the new one by Victa · 2017-03-16 18:14 · Score: 3, Interesting
  
  As someone who worked Admin/Support in a K-12 school long enough to see kids come in one end and leave at the other, I can say that a good portion of people in this age group simply like breaking shit (that does not belong to them).
  They get a kick out of knowing that SOMEONE is going to be inconvenienced by it, either the next user or the support guys who have to try and fix it.
  For example; Switching to optical mice saved us a good 30 mins a day in replacing mouse balls, we would usually find the balls with the rubber peeled off them sitting on the desk next to the mouse... The switch to small form factor PCs with laptop style optical drives saved us hours a week fixing the little drive belts that open and close the tray (which can be flipped off in seconds with a paperclip)... but also provided us several chances a week to try and explain to the warranty people how the lens in the drive got covered in permanent texta (this destroys them BTW)...
  Additionally, a handful of these sticks dropped around a school would result in many, many broken computers by the end of the day... "Hey Jimmy, this USB stick I found in the playground doesn't work in this PC, try it in yours..."
  If only we had been allowed to install the taser mice I suggested life would have been much more fun (for us)... :P
  Cheers.
11. Re:Can't speak for the new one by tlhIngan · 2017-03-17 04:58 · Score: 1
  
  Well, for one thing, because they could probably take out a row of machines in a computer lab before a teacher would even notice?
  It's far more subtle than just throwing a laptop on the floor and jumping on it (or 8 ... yes, this happened, no, the parents didn't pay a cent and the kid left the district without consequence).
  And the solution to that, if enough computers are broken because of it, is for everyone to buddy up again. We all did it when computers were new and novel and computer labe barely had enough for half the class so everyone had to pick a buddy and work together to get the assignment done.
  Hopefully the vandal, after having to suffer having to work with others will reform themselves to not screw over the entire class.
So what? by Anonymous Coward · 2017-03-16 10:12 · Score: 5, Insightful

And, with microUSB, USB-C, and Lightning adapters, the USB Kill claims to be able to kill iPhones, iPads, and other devices, like phones, tablets, and digital cameras
A hammer can break all of those things too. That doesn't mean it's interesting to do that or that all those devices should be made hammer-proof. Beyond the initial "I wonder if I can break shit via USB" idea and proof of concept this really doesn't seem at all interesting or useful. Making it bigger and badder is just pointless.
1. Re:So what? by Nethemas+the+Great · 2017-03-16 11:12 · Score: 2
  
  You clearly lack an understanding of adolescents, and those that behave as such. Particularly with the "anonymous" option, this sort of device has a strong novelty factor that coupled with poor impulse control makes for a lot of unpleasant outcomes. This is easily evidenced by all the rich kid videos on YouTube where they get their kicks blowing out expensive things with USB ports. Scatter these things around public places and all sorts of mayhem will ensue when naive fools jab them into their systems to "see what's on them."
  
  --
  Two of my imaginary friends reproduced once ... with negative results.
2. Re:So what? by Anonymous Coward · 2017-03-16 12:26 · Score: 0
  
  imagine that a chinese vendor floods ebay with $5 copies. now someone with $100 to burn can scatter these outside schools & businesses and have a giggle fest watching people kill their devices.
3. Re:So what? by Anonymous Coward · 2017-03-16 14:08 · Score: 0
  
  But what if a hammer looked like a tooth brush but when you put it in your mouth it busted all your teeth out.
4. Re:So what? by thegarbz · 2017-03-16 22:04 · Score: 2
  
  If you leave a hammer in a targets parking lot it is not safe to assume they will test it on their laptop.
  The potential attack surface of this device is huge because of what it looks like and what people typically do.
Let us also make guns by Anonymous Coward · 2017-03-16 10:13 · Score: -1

Let us also make guns which are designed to test the limit of some materials ability to handle impulse shocks and distribute without any restrictions. OK, this does not kill human, but simplicity of use and ability to cause heavy damage and also ability to damage critical safety and security related items, makes it a very dangerous tool and sales should be restricted.
1. Re:Let us also make guns by Anonymous Coward · 2017-03-16 10:29 · Score: 0
  
  I disagree. Like guns, these should not be restricted. In New Hampshire we do not even have mandatory concealed permits any more. You can both open or conceal carry without a permit.
2. Re: Let us also make guns by Anonymous Coward · 2017-03-16 10:44 · Score: 0
  
  You folks really take that "Live free or die" thing to heart.
3. Re: Let us also make guns by ckatko · 2017-03-16 10:56 · Score: 2, Insightful
  
  Amazing how their murder rates aren't sky high, completely debunking gun control nuts typical claims. (As if most gun control nuts even knew how a gun works or could label the different parts.)
4. Re: Let us also make guns by Anonymous Coward · 2017-03-16 11:02 · Score: 0
  
  You do realize with the modifications this USB could shock and disrupt pace makers? So maybe it can kill. Lets see version 3
5. Re: Let us also make guns by Anonymous Coward · 2017-03-16 11:06 · Score: -1
  
  There's not a lot of n!ggers in New Hampshire. Coincidence? I think not.
6. Re: Let us also make guns by Anonymous Coward · 2017-03-16 11:07 · Score: 0
  
  If you use cheap electronics that have no surge protection, or wear cheap vests that aren't bullet proof, then you only have yourself to blame.
7. Re: Let us also make guns by Nethemas+the+Great · 2017-03-16 11:16 · Score: 1
  
  It's also an affluent mono-culture. Not exactly a good model from which to draw conclusions about more social-economically diverse populations.
  
  --
  Two of my imaginary friends reproduced once ... with negative results.
8. Re: Let us also make guns by Anonymous Coward · 2017-03-16 11:25 · Score: 0
  
  Winters are so long there they all get bleached yellow. If you go in August you'll be able to spy more of our afro-American friends.
9. Re: Let us also make guns by arth1 · 2017-03-16 11:40 · Score: 1
  
  Amazing how their murder rates aren't sky high, completely debunking gun control nuts typical claims.
  The New Hampshire murder rates are relatively low, but the accidental gun deaths are high, which combined lands them not too far below average in firearm death rates as far as the US goes. If excluding metropolis cities from the stats, New Hampshire's firearm death rate is above average for the US.
  And 7.03 firearm deaths per year per 100,000 inhabitants is nothing to be proud of. It's way higher than most countries. For comparison, UK has 0.23, Australia 0.93 and Canada 1.97 firearm deaths per year per 100,000 inhabitants. New Hampshire has more than three times as high a firearm death rate as Turkey, and more than twice as high as Serbia!
10. Re: Let us also make guns by liquid_schwartz · 2017-03-16 12:01 · Score: 2
  
  It's also an affluent mono-culture. Not exactly a good model from which to draw conclusions about more social-economically diverse populations.
  But it could be a damning indictment of how diversity doesn't deliver the better world that its advocates always promise. If you want low murder rates, higher levels of social trust, and cohesion diversity is not your friend.
11. Re: Let us also make guns by Anonymous Coward · 2017-03-16 12:13 · Score: 0
  
  You know what else can disrupt a pacemaker and fry a usb port?
  A taser.
12. Re: Let us also make guns by Anonymous Coward · 2017-03-16 12:57 · Score: 0
  
  Those of us not programmed by enemy propaganda have known this for a long time.
13. Re: Let us also make guns by Anonymous Coward · 2017-03-16 13:01 · Score: 0
  
  What are the details behind those numbers? If those 7.03 people were criminals who were shot during the commission of a crime, I like those stats!
14. Re: Let us also make guns by Nethemas+the+Great · 2017-03-16 15:07 · Score: 1
  
  So are you proposing mass gentrification and everyone that doesn't fit goes {x}. Or, just following through on the popular idea of stripping the middle-class of their station in favor of indentured servitude?
  
  --
  Two of my imaginary friends reproduced once ... with negative results.
15. Re: Let us also make guns by Anonymous Coward · 2017-03-16 18:58 · Score: 0
  
  Fuck off, Nazi scum.
  Follow your leader!
16. Re: Let us also make guns by Anonymous Coward · 2017-03-17 00:52 · Score: -1
  
  Amazing how their murder rates aren't sky high
  Is is sky high. It's just that they are mostly compared with a place called "the USA" where murder rates are already sky high.
17. Re: Let us also make guns by GLMDesigns · 2017-03-17 01:03 · Score: 1
  
  Actually it's not an affluent state. (At least not in many parts.) There are a lot of people who have homesteading lifestyle. (Not completely off the grid - but much more self-sufficient and much more bartering than in cities or suburban america.
  
  --
  If you're scared of your govt then you need to further restrict its powers
  Vote 3rd Party in 2016 and beyond
18. Re: Let us also make guns by GLMDesigns · 2017-03-17 01:13 · Score: 2
  
  7.03 firearm deaths includes accidental and suicide and self-defense. Stop twisting things around and compare like things. Murder to Murder.
  
  There are no guns (practically speaking) in Japan. Therefore the suicide rate must be lower there than in NH. (oops, guess not)
  
  At issue is not deaths in general; at issue is using guns to kill people out of rage, mad-man killing spree, terrorism, or crime.
  
  Including deaths from suicide show your bias and displays a your intent to distort the data.
  Including deaths from accidental accidents also shows your bias. Yes guns are dangerous. Same as skiing. Same as scuba diving. Same as parachuting. Same as technical climbing. Accidents happen. Mistakes happen skeet shooting. Mistakes happen shooting water fowl (a lot more than hunting deer). People are very careful and yet mistakes happen.
  
  --
  If you're scared of your govt then you need to further restrict its powers
  Vote 3rd Party in 2016 and beyond
19. Re: Let us also make guns by Anonymous Coward · 2017-03-17 03:03 · Score: 0
  
  Wow, well argued!
  So you believe that white people, and ONLY white people, don't have the right to simply live around their own kind any more?
  How 'racist' of you, comrade! Singling out ONLY white people for collective punishment. That's 'racist', isn't it?
  You are well aware that most white people don't want to live around non-whites, which is why millions of us move house every year, in order to get away from the invaders... sorry, 'enrichers'. Sorry, 'refugees'.
20. Re: Let us also make guns by Nethemas+the+Great · 2017-03-17 06:07 · Score: 1
  
  There might be homesteaders, but the state has a median income of $65,028, that put's it at the top of the pack.
  
  --
  Two of my imaginary friends reproduced once ... with negative results.
Phone version? by The+Grim+Reefer · 2017-03-16 10:15 · Score: 5, Funny

When can we get one that's an actual phone? It would be great for use as a burner when leaving and returning to the US. Though I doubt the TSA is going to find the humor to their liking. But I don't really find the legal gray zone at the border very funny either.
1. Re:Phone version? by Anonymous Coward · 2017-03-16 10:23 · Score: 0
  
  No need for an actual phone. Rip out the electronics from a phone, put in the electronics from the usb killer, connect to the port as usual. It don't have to work as a phone - the dorks will plug it in as usual, and you'll get your free ticket to gitmo.
2. Re:Phone version? by Nethemas+the+Great · 2017-03-16 11:22 · Score: 1
  
  I find that idea quite interesting. Not sure how the legals work out but, quite interesting. The closest I can find is one of these. Perhaps one can be modified.
  
  --
  Two of my imaginary friends reproduced once ... with negative results.
3. Re:Phone version? by skids · 2017-03-16 12:56 · Score: 2
  
  They are more likely to plug it in if it can display a lockscreen. But I'd be prepared for some major legal problems if used in this manner.
  
  --
  Someone had to do it.
4. Re:Phone version? by Carewolf · 2017-03-16 21:43 · Score: 1
  
  When can we get one that's an actual phone? It would be great for use as a burner when leaving and returning to the US. Though I doubt the TSA is going to find the humor to their liking. But I don't really find the legal gray zone at the border very funny either.
  Just remember to tell them not to plug it in. It is not like they are going to respond to your warning anyway.
5. Re:Phone version? by Anonymous Coward · 2017-03-17 04:06 · Score: 0
  
  I collect the exe files I get in my e-mail, and I finally found a good use for them: putting them in a "private videos" folder on my phone.
something funny by Anonymous Coward · 2017-03-16 10:15 · Score: -1

I went to the toilet in the office and a window was open, so I did a shit on my hand and threw it out. There was a scream of "I'll get you" and I heard later someone came in the front and abused the recptionist. So funny
1. Re:something funny by Anonymous Coward · 2017-03-16 10:40 · Score: 1
  
  This should probably be modded +5 Insightful for what it says about corporate culture.
I now WANT to go to the USA by Anonymous Coward · 2017-03-16 10:18 · Score: 0

I Now WANT to com to the USA, explicitly to get my shit searched..
I will disable the USB ports on my laptop and have half a dozen of these things rebadged as pr0n and some expensive application names, like solid works (BSA software group) as I am sure they are on the list for extra customs attention..
Do you think I could be found liable? I want to know if I should pre-lube my crack!!!
Capatcha smutty
1. Re:I now WANT to go to the USA by Anonymous Coward · 2017-03-16 10:32 · Score: 0
  
  You should put a warning on it to ensure you *ARE NOT* liable. As long as they've been warned about what it is it's their own undoing.
In other words... by cirby · 2017-03-16 10:19 · Score: 2

...when you get a USB stick that's not in a sealed container from the store, plug it into an old USB hub for a while to see if it blows anything up.
1. Re:In other words... by rgmoore · 2017-03-16 10:47 · Score: 3, Insightful
  
  Just make sure that hub isn't plugged into a computer, since the stick could have a malicious data payload. Note, though, that the same company that makes the USB Kill Stick also makes a plug in surge suppressor that protects USB ports against the Kill Stick. I'm sure they're planning on selling them to people like law enforcement who have to worry about malicious hardware.
  Just remember, the only people who win in an arms race are arms manufacturers.
  
  --
  There's no point in questioning authority if you aren't going to listen to the answers.
2. Re:In other words... by Anonymous Coward · 2017-03-16 11:32 · Score: 0
  
  Just make sure that hub isn't plugged into a Windows computer, since the stick could have a malicious data payload.
  FTFY
3. Re:In other words... by 93+Escort+Wagon · 2017-03-16 12:09 · Score: 1
  
  Or plug it into a Mac*, which apparently has safeguards in place against this sort of thing. From the article:
  
  Dubbed the USB Kill stick, it fries almost any device with a USB port, though modern Apple hardware is apparently not affected.
  The article is not clear regarding whether Macs are immune to both versions of the USB Kill Stick, or just to the original version.
  * Please don't plug it into my Mac.
  
  --
  #DeleteChrome
4. Re:In other words... by ArsenneLupin · 2017-03-16 18:29 · Score: 1
  
  Just make sure that hub isn't plugged into a Windows computer, since the stick could have a malicious data payload.
  FTFY
  Nope
I Now want to come to the USA by Anonymous Coward · 2017-03-16 10:21 · Score: -1

I wanna come and get my shit searched!!!
I will have a dozzen of these things rebadged and my crack pre-lubed ready to go !!!
1. Re:I Now want to come to the USA by Anonymous Coward · 2017-03-16 10:26 · Score: 0
  
  That should get customs in some sh1t one way or another
Pulse by PopeRatzo · 2017-03-16 10:25 · Score: 1

You think they can they make one of these for my mother-in-law's pacemaker?
https://youtu.be/6EN5eJf5h_k

--
You are welcome on my lawn.
Why do people do this? by Anonymous Coward · 2017-03-16 10:29 · Score: 1

U have to be a real jerk to use this.
1. Re:Why do people do this? by Anonymous Coward · 2017-03-16 11:12 · Score: 0
  
  Maybe they own shares in a company that sells surge protection circuitry.
Hammers by Luthair · 2017-03-16 10:43 · Score: 1

Also break electronics
Given the form factor... by Baron_Yam · 2017-03-16 10:45 · Score: 1

You could design the shell to be grenade-like, put a tiny little valid bit of flash drive inside and surround it with high density capacitors.
Rather than blast the attached USB port, you could simply short out all the capacitors and you have a very low-yield anti-personnel device that could blind someone, maybe cripple a hand if you design it to explode on device removal. Anyone who has ever shorted the capacitors in a disposable camera knows they pack a fair bit of wallop in a small space when charged up.
Or put some actual explosives in it, I suppose. In a properly sealed case that might pass inspection.
This can of coca-cola by OrangeTide · 2017-03-16 11:03 · Score: 1

Can brick your laptop in several ways:
* pour the entire can into your USB slot.
* pound the can into the screen.
* use the tab to short the battery.
* offer local children a can of coke to throw the laptop into the river.

--
“Common sense is not so common.” — Voltaire
May just take an ax to that computer instead by gweihir · 2017-03-16 11:07 · Score: 1

About as funny and about as legal. Though said ax may get you shot, which is a plus.

--
Most ACs are not even worth the keystrokes to insult them. Be generically insulted by this and ignored otherwise.
godel escher bach by Anonymous Coward · 2017-03-16 11:23 · Score: 0

The makers of this device should read the "godel escher bach" chapter on record players. Making it more powerful is perhaps the least nefarious direction, having it present what looks like some interesting data for a few seconds (or minutes) before the zap would be much more nefarious. This gets it past the slashdot posters above that think they could test it on a dummy port first.
I second another commenter's request, a "Burner" (pardon the pun) Phone would be awesome. bPhone gets stolen (or confiscated), and as soon as the thief tries to use it - poof. Instant karma.
Could use one of these ... by PPH · 2017-03-16 11:45 · Score: 2

... built into a fake OBD II diagnostic port. Car thieves can pair electronic keys with a car with commands through this port. So now, when they break in and plug in their cracking tool .... poof!

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Have gnu, will travel.
1. Re:Could use one of these ... by Anonymous Coward · 2017-03-16 21:15 · Score: 0
  
  I'm pretty sure they could sue you for damages if they're ever caught.
2. Re:Could use one of these ... by PPH · 2017-03-17 04:07 · Score: 1
  
  sue you for damages
  That case will be heard just after the mugger who sues victims who arm themselves for creating a hostile work environment for him.
  
  --
  Have gnu, will travel.
I wonder by Anonymous Coward · 2017-03-16 11:56 · Score: 0

how much more dangerous it would be if it was a one-try insertion USB, instead of the usual three-try version...
It's making them money. by waspleg · 2017-03-16 12:19 · Score: 1

Pet rocks are/were pointless too. The question is will saying "We're not liable for whatever you do with this!!" stand up in court...
1. Re:It's making them money. by arth1 · 2017-03-16 13:34 · Score: 1
  
  Pet rocks are/were pointless too.
  There are USB pet rocks too. Which presumably can be modded with a USB killer.
"designed to test the surge protection circuitry" by hcs_$reboot · 2017-03-16 12:33 · Score: 1

Liars. Designed to deceive people and destroy electronics, otherwise a clearly visible "DO NOT USE" mention would be written on the stick.

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Slashdot, fix the reply notifications... You won't get away with it...
Sprinkler by Anonymous Coward · 2017-03-16 19:46 · Score: 0

I'd like to sprinkle some of these in the paths of the morons who have to get so fucking lost in their fucking phones while walking on busy sidewalks (except they walk right past them of course).
Bastard! by Anonymous Coward · 2017-03-16 21:24 · Score: 0

:)
Re:"designed to test the surge protection circuitr by Anonymous Coward · 2017-03-16 23:53 · Score: 0

Pretty sure that a "DO NOT USE" sticker would increase the rate of people using it...
Soon to be categorized as a weapon by MindPrison · 2017-03-16 23:58 · Score: 1

It won't be long before this device becomes illegal to own, import and operate.
The laser pointers where only illegal because hoodlums used them agains police, airplanes and helicopters. The same thing will happen with this device as kids will purchase them do do "mass revenge" or destruction in their schools.

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What this world is coming to - is for you and me to decide.
Old News by Anonymous Coward · 2017-03-17 02:02 · Score: 0

I've already ordered and received the new kit. How is this current news?
Bigclive by Anonymous Coward · 2017-03-17 02:25 · Score: 0

Someone send one of these to BigClive for testing and teardown....
Doesn't "kill," just disables by Anonymous Coward · 2017-03-17 02:43 · Score: 0

I have one of these buggers. All it does is put high voltage on the USB power and data pins in an attempt to blow up whatever is connected to them.
It may disable a phone, but it does not erase the contents of its flash, stored profiles, or anything like that.
If you really want a kill stick, buy mine. It's about the size of a stick of wrigley's and uses various methods to gain access to perform device erase operations on the internal flash of whatever device it is plugged into. It has O/S detection, built-in privilege escalation methods, and can exploit the kernels shipped with all versions of Windows, most popular distributions of Linux, and all version of Mac. it also easily does Android and iOS.
You'll have to peel back a few layers of the onion to find it...