Technology is capable of destroying 95% hardware it’s inserted into

Back in October 2015, we covered a seemingly hypothetical technology referred to as the ‘USB Kill’ – its creators claimed the device was able to destroy the hardware it’s inserted into by zapping the target with a bolt of electricity.

The device was introduced purely as a means for proof of concept — something that security researchers and those who work on USB standards should be aware could be used by those seeking to inflict damage on computers and hardware.

Unfortunately, the technology has proven quite popular beyond this niche audience, and so to profit on the idea, the USB Kill has been introduced to market as a device anyone can buy.

According to the technology’s web site, the USB Kill is a “testing device”, and something that every security auditor / hardware designer should own. While its defined purpose might seem simple enough, make no mistake that this device is extremely destructive — its creators claim the technology is capable of destroying 95% of the computers and hardware it’s inserted into (outside of Apple, which the site states is immune to such attacks). 

Conveniently, the website also sells the USB Test Shield, a device that supposedly allows a user to safely test a device’s resistance to a USB Kill (or similar) attack.

The USB Kill is selling for $56, while the USB Test Shield is $16.

Exactly who is behind the development of this technology, and the launching of the retail site is yet to be determined. Originally, the USB Kill was demonstrated via video by Dark Purple, a Russian hacker. A press release published to the site indicates Hong Kong as the company’s base.

A spokesperson for the company has been quoted as comparing the USB Kill’s ability to expose a hardware hole to published reports of software vulnerabilities, and that raising awareness about these issues (via a purchasable USB Kill) will force companies to take extra steps to protect exposed technologies from malicious attacks. This includes things like USB-protection devices, or including the ability to physically cap a USB port when the computer is not in use. 

At the time this article is being written, the company has a message on the site claiming the device is out of stock due to a surge in orders, and that new stock will be available for order come the second week of September.

To learn more, visit the USB Kill website.