The USB Killer is a testing device created to test the USB ports against power surge attacks. The USB Killer 2.0 tests your device’s resistance against this attack.
The USB Kill collects power from the USB power lines (5V, 1 – 3A) until it reaches ~ -200V, upon which it discharges the stored voltage into the USB data lines.
This charge / discharge cycle is very rapid and happens multiple times per second. The process of rapid discharging will continue while the device is plugged in, or the device can no longer discharge – that is, the circuit in the host machine is broken.
The USB Kill Tester Shield is a dual purpose device:
– It allows you to test your USB Kill 2.0 without damaging your host device.
– It prevents data theft via ‘juice-jacking’
If you use a charger or USB port that is not your own – the device can steal your data while you are charging. Using a USB Kill Shield will prevent the devices from having access to your data.
In our tests, over 95% of devices are affected by a USB power surge attack. Almost all consumer-level hardware fails when tested against the USB Kill. The most frequent outcome is the complete destruction of the device (laptops, TVs, smartphones, etc.). Almost all consumer-level hardware fails when tested against the USB Kill.
Hardware designers of public machines should have a USB Kill to test their products: photo booths, copy machines, airline entertainment systems, ticket terminals, etc. – anything with exposed USB ports should ensure that their systems resist electrical attacks.
Likewise, consumer hardware designers cell phones, laptops, televisions, portable devices – should protect their devices against malicious attacks. Security auditors and penetration testers should also have a USB Kill 2.0 in their arsenal of tools.
Finally, the general public, or anyone who wants to test or kill their own devices should equip themselves.
To stay protected from USB killer a varister or similar kind of transient voltage suppression diode needs to be integrated into the USB ports . In the next video you will see how to make USB killer in just few seconds ! in just 5$ .
Courtesy: Kedar Nimbalkar
