A software engineer has designed a USB cable that can shut down or wipe Linux laptop your if it's stolen in a public place
The new USB cable has been nicknamed the “kill cable.” It’s actually called BusKill and was designed by Michael Altfield, a software engineer and Linux systemsfrom Orlando, Florida.
The BusKill cable is designed to attach to your Linux laptop and your belt. When someone tries to take your computer off your desk (or wherever else you have it), the USB cable disconnects from the laptop and triggers a udev script that performs a series of predefined functions.
These features block access to data . A thief would have to bypass the authentication mechanism to gain access to your personal information . However, the script can be configured to “wipe” the device or delete specific itemsso that attackers cannot find your sensitive data in any way.
“We do everything we can to increase our OpSec when using our laptops in public – e.g. using a good VPN, 2FA etc,” says Altfield. “But there is always the risk of someone stealing your laptop after verifying your data!” (verification by yourself).
Work in public and afraid of a "snatch-and-run"? Kill Cord for your laptop (~$20) via @MichaelAltfield: https://t.co/2X6rrvtIji pic.twitter.com/5lA2Qk7FdY
— David Bisset (@dimensionmedia) January 2, 2020
Altfield does not currently sell ready-made BusKill cables. However, he does provide instructions on site so that anyone can build their own BusKill USB cable.
What are the key elements of the BusKill cable?
- USB flash drive
- carabiner (to attach the cable to your belt)
- magnetic USB disconnect adapter
- USB cable
Its price ranges from $20 to $45, depending on the BusKill configuration required for device and the quality of the components you use.
Altfield also suggests two types of udev scriptsthat are triggered when someone tries to steal your Linux laptop. The first locks the device by activating the screensaver. The second completely shuts down the laptop.
Users scripts and configure them to "clean" and delete important folders and sensitive data.
