Hacknect Wi-Fi USB Cable Tops Kickstarter at $82, Promising Remote Payload Execution
Updated
Updated · Tom's Hardware · May 23
Hacknect Wi-Fi USB Cable Tops Kickstarter at $82, Promising Remote Payload Execution
1 articles · Updated · Tom's Hardware · May 23
Hacknect, a USB cable with an embedded ESP32-S3, has already cleared its Kickstarter goal with three weeks left, positioning a stealthy cybersecurity tool for an August first-batch shipment.
Starting at about $82, the cable pairs Wi-Fi control and microSD storage with browser-based features including remote payload execution, HID keystroke injection, mouse automation and one-click deployment.
Little Gadgets says the device still works as a normal data and charging cable, while adding a self-destruct mode and open-source firmware, examples and documentation.
The product echoes the O.MG cable's covert attack capabilities but is pitched as a cheaper, open-source alternative, though crowdfunding backers still face the usual delivery and execution risks.
Will affordable, open-source hardware like Hacknect disrupt the specialized, high-cost market for professional cybersecurity tools?
As powerful hacking tools disguise themselves as ordinary USB cables, how can organizations effectively defend against these hidden threats?
Does the open-sourcing of potent hacking tools ultimately improve security, or does it primarily arm more adversaries for malicious attacks?