USB killer what does it do and what internal mechanism of USB killer
USB Killer what does it do
USB killer is a ripper to electronic devices—like laptops, phones, or any USB support device. This device is designed to send high-voltage power and kill any target USB support device. USB killer gets 5 volts and boosts it to 200v - 300v with DC to DC converter. It has extremely high voltage for USB interface and it can destroy most USB support devices.
This article explores USB killers - the ripper of USB.
Purpose of USB killer
The main purpose of a USB killer is to test a device’s vulnerability, durability, and security. It is mainly designed for professional hardware investigators. that can be used to find vulnerabilities in electronic systems and create safeguards against malicious hardware attacks.
If a USB Killer falls into the wrong hands, it can be used maliciously to damage devices, essentially frying them with this gadget.
How does a USB killer work?
When a USB killer is plugged into a USB port, it draws power from the USB supply lines. typically USB port operating with 5 voltage. but this USB killer changes their internal capacitors quickly with supply lines and releases much higher voltage to USB data lines, usually that voltage between 200v to 300v. this process repeats like a cycle and is damaged or destroyed by the target USB-supported devices.
Internal mechanism of the USB killer.
Typically USB killers have few sections. such as capacitors, DC to DC converter, and MOSFET. now we explore what are the duties of these components.
After pugging a USB killer to the target device. The killer can get 5v power with power lines. That power got DC to DC power converter and increased that 5 voltage to between 200v to 300v and charged the internal capacitors. after fully charging those capacitors. quickly release that energy to USB data lines with a switching mechanism. like MOSFET or Relay.
That process repeats several times per second until the connected device is damaged or destroyed. Most advanced USB killers can operate with mobile phone applications with user commands. (EG: USB killer V4).
What components can a USB killer damage?
When a USB killer discharges high voltage energy, it can damage many components of a device. directly that high voltage energy effect to the motherboard in the target device.
what are the damaged components in the motherboard
I/O controllers
these chips manage USB ports, audio, and network parts in the motherboard. USB killers can directly destroy that I/O chip and permanently disable that target device.
Northbridge and Southbridge in older motherboards
Northbridge is also called a Memory controller hub. It handles communication between the CPU, RAM, and GPU. After the attack by the USB killer, it affected this chipset and down all communication in the motherboard.
Capacitors
This generated high voltage is extremely dangerous to a normal motherboard. typically most of the capacitators in the motherboard operate under the 35 voltage. but that USB killer creates 200v to 300v and releases that energy to USB data lines. That voltage can leak capacitors or destroy them.
Memory devices
Primary and secondary memory devices are directly connected to the motherboard. like RAM, cache memory, hard drive. While the USB killer has a high chance of destroying these memory devices.
Is it legal to use a USB killer?
This USB killer has legal and illegal sides like two sides have a coin.
Legal uses - Typically USB killers are made for hardware durability testing. USB killers are legal when by professionals in controlled environments for testing and research proposes. like manufacturers use them to ensure their devices can resist high-voltage attack.
Illegal uses - if you use that USB killer to destroy or damage another person's device, it is illegal. If attack another's device you must have a permission form there. USB killers for harmful purposes could fall under laws related to cybercrime or malicious intent.
This article explores the usage, internal mechanism, and more about USB killers. If you read his article now you have a basic knowledge about USB killers. Thank you for reading this article and exploring more knowledge with us.