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

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.

51 of 93 comments (clear)

  1. etherkiller by Lehk228 · · 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 · · 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 · · 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 Lehk228 · · Score: 1

      that's a lot more complicated than an encrypted volume

      --
      Snowden and Manning are heroes.
    4. Re:etherkiller by arth1 · · Score: 2

      Con someone confirm that this mongol actually wrote that?

      Con someone confirm?

      Myphry's Law strikes again, it seems.

    5. Re:etherkiller by BronsCon · · 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.
    6. Re:etherkiller by sexconker · · Score: 2

      Con someone confirm?

      Myphry's Law strikes again, it seems.

      Myphry's Law? Muphry's law just keeps striking.

    7. Re:etherkiller by sexconker · · Score: 1

      But when they open it up and find out what you've done they'll give you a backdoor dental exam.

    8. Re:etherkiller by BronsCon · · 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.
    9. Re:etherkiller by gurps_npc · · 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
  2. Can't speak for the new one by waspleg · · 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 · · 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 · · 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 · · 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 · · 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 waspleg · · 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).

    6. Re:Can't speak for the new one by sexconker · · Score: 1

      Yet any student can do much more harm with a flathead screwdriver or an adjustable wrench (without even using them as weapons).

    7. Re:Can't speak for the new one by Victa · · 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.

    8. Re:Can't speak for the new one by tlhIngan · · 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.

  3. So what? by Anonymous Coward · · 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 · · 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 thegarbz · · 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.

  4. Phone version? by The+Grim+Reefer · · 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 Nethemas+the+Great · · 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.
    2. Re:Phone version? by skids · · 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.

    3. Re:Phone version? by Carewolf · · 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. In other words... by cirby · · 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 · · 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 93+Escort+Wagon · · 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
    3. Re:In other words... by ArsenneLupin · · 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

  6. Pulse by PopeRatzo · · 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.
  7. Why do people do this? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1

    U have to be a real jerk to use this.

  8. Re:something funny by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1

    This should probably be modded +5 Insightful for what it says about corporate culture.

  9. Hammers by Luthair · · Score: 1

    Also break electronics

  10. Given the form factor... by Baron_Yam · · 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.

  11. Re: Let us also make guns by ckatko · · 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.)

  12. This can of coca-cola by OrangeTide · · 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
  13. May just take an ax to that computer instead by gweihir · · 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.
  14. Re: Let us also make guns by Nethemas+the+Great · · 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.
  15. Re: Let us also make guns by arth1 · · 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!

  16. Could use one of these ... by PPH · · 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!

    --
    Have gnu, will travel.
    1. Re:Could use one of these ... by PPH · · 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.
  17. Re: Let us also make guns by liquid_schwartz · · 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.

  18. It's making them money. by waspleg · · 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 · · Score: 1

      Pet rocks are/were pointless too.

      There are USB pet rocks too. Which presumably can be modded with a USB killer.

  19. "designed to test the surge protection circuitry" by hcs_$reboot · · Score: 1

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

    --
    Slashdot, fix the reply notifications... You won't get away with it...
  20. Re: Let us also make guns by Nethemas+the+Great · · 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.
  21. Soon to be categorized as a weapon by MindPrison · · 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.

    --
    What this world is coming to - is for you and me to decide.
  22. Re: Let us also make guns by GLMDesigns · · 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
  23. Re: Let us also make guns by GLMDesigns · · 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
  24. Re: Let us also make guns by Nethemas+the+Great · · 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.