Why I’ll Never Plug in a Random USB Dive Again—and You Shouldn’t Either

I have always been the type to plug in the flash readers who drag on what there is without having second thoughts. It changed the day I watched a USB stick destroy a handful of devices as if it were nothing. I did not witness this in person, but what I saw was real enough to shake myself. Since then, I have not treated USB readers in the same way.

Here is what happened and why I now think twice (and generally a third time) before connecting anything.

The day I learned that a USB player could kill your computer

Thanks to the nature of my work, you often surprise me to watch random technological videos on YouTube. One day, I came across a video by Austin Evans which made me physical decline. He presented a device called USB Killer, and that looked like any other USB flash reader, without suspect on the surface.

But where it becomes interesting is that inside this innocent shell are capacitors designed to draw the energy from your device, then reject it violently into the port. This flow of power is often enough to fry the internal equipment instantly.

The video showed computers, smartphones, a Nintendo Switch Lite and even a PS5 which is completely destroyed, sometimes with clicks or audible cracks as the components have distributed. The new USB Kill V4 model was even more powerful. It could be triggered manually and was able to destroy the devices even if they were disabled, as long as they had internal batteries or a emergency power.

Needless to say, I was shaken.

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Kill USB devices are legal and shocking to buy

Out of curiosity (and a little paranoia), I checked the manufacturer’s website, USBKILL. This is when it became even more worrying: these things are completely legal to buy and shocking to order online. You do not need any special license, of cybersecurity or to prove technical qualifications. You can just click on “Buy now” and it is shipped to your door. There is absolutely no restriction.

Their cheapest kit at the time of writing costs around $ 79. They are marketed as “test tools” for the hardening of devices and protection of overvoltages. Interestingly, the company claims that more than 95% of the devices fail their USB overvoltage tests.

Although there are warnings that the killer’s stick “should be treated with appropriate precautions,” it is hardly dissuasive. Nothing prevents someone from using one for sabotage. In fact, there have been cases of real abuse. In 2019, an Albany student used a USB stick to destroy 66 computers, monitors and podiums in his former college. He pleaded guilty, served a year in prison and was ordered to pay more than $ 58,000 in damages.

This story stayed with me. The accessibility of something so destructive made me think back to what extent the blind confidence that I have placed in the USB keys.

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No antivirus can save you

Another thought that struck me hard was: “No antivirus (regardless of the price, aggressiveness or point edge) on earth could have stopped this.“We are so used to thinking in terms of software threats such as viruses, malware and ransomware which, of course, our defenses focus on the code. But a USB Kill stick does not play this game directly. Batteries, like the USBKILL V4.

As the video shows, some devices, such as Apple products and the Samsung Z Flip 3, have shown better hardware resilience. But that was due to physical design, not software.

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All USB threats are not destruction sticks

After watching too many videos of devices zapped in oblivion, I started looking for other threats based on USB, and WoW, the rabbit hole goes deep. There is a whole buffet of malicious USB devices, and not all opt for the spectacular approach “Fry-you-Motherboard”. Some are more devious.

Take a USB rubber duck, for example. It looks like regular flash readers, but it is actually a programmable key injection tool. When you connect one, it starts to draw commands like an invisible hacker on your keyboard, open terminals, download malware and create new users. And everything happens in a few seconds. It is not based on software vulnerabilities. He simply claims to be a keyboard, which most computers trust by default.

Then there are devices like Bash Bunnies and O.MG cables. These are USB tools that blur the line between penetration test equipment and hacker toys. These can create false network adapters, exfiltrate data or configure deadlines without you never noticing.

So yes, the USB Kill stick may be the most dramatic, but it is far from being the only threat that hides in sight.

You can protect yourself with this personal personal USB security check list

After learning all of this, I had to rethink my daily habits. I didn’t want to live in fear, but I certainly didn’t want to be carefree either. So I found a simple and low paranoia USB security control list that I am now religiously:

• Do not connect random USB players: This is obvious, but it is also the easiest to ignore. If I find a flash reader on the ground or in a drawer and I don’t know where it comes from, it is not going near my laptop.
• Labo your USB readers: I use masking adhesive tape and a marker to label mine. In this way, I do not confuse a random reader for one of mine. It seems small, but it prevents a lot from doubt.
• Use only trusted chargers and cables: Even load cables can be armed (you should really look for O.MG cables – they are terrifying). I stick to those I bought or received from deemed brands.
• Deactivate Autorun for USB devices: This helps prevent Snape devices from automatically executing the code when it is connected.
• Use USB data blockers when you charge the public: These small adapters (sometimes called “USB condoms”) let the power pass but block data connections, which is perfect for public charging stations.
• Keep backups: Because even with precautions, accidents (and very determined attackers) occur.

Trusting a USB port is now like trusting a foreigner with your home keys. I prefer to be paranoid than Hallear.

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What to do if you think you have connected something bad

If you ever feel this feeling of sinking, like “Wait … I shouldn’t have plug that“Do not panic, but act quickly. First of all, unplug the device immediately if your system starts to act strangely or if something starts to do it alone, and align the computer to limit damage or additional data leaks. If you are on a work machine, signal it immediately. If you have your personal device, consider an in -depth clever analysis, modifying your password activity (especially if you have been stored or stored or automatically) and by monitoring a suspicious activity.

In the worst case, especially if you suspect something like a USB killer, be ready to have your equipment checked or even replace. The faster you act, the less damage you are likely.

I learned that everything that does not hold in a port deserves your confidence. I don’t connect things lightly, and after reading this, you may not do it either.