[Swordmaker]

Thanks to TheBatmann for the heads up. The article claims to be able to zap iPhones and iPads with a suitable Lightning adaptor, but modern iPhones and iPads have the same protection built in that it says protect Apple Macs, so how can it zap the other Apple devices???

Keep in mind that although Apple devices are protected by superior built in design, the peripherals that these sticks can be plugged into which can provide power are NOT so protected. Be warned. If the device provides a 5 volt source out, it can and will be zapped by these USBKill devices.

These are BY NO MEANS SOLD AS A TEST DEVICE, but are INTENDED AS A MALICIOUS DESTRUCTIVE DEVICE! No test device is intended to destroy the device it tests! These are INTENDED TO DESTROY ANY DEVICE IN WHICH THEY ARE PLUGGED IN TO! The fact that the company makes one without markings tells you everything you need to know about their ethics!

[Swordmaker]

WARNING! WARNING! WARNING! There are again more USB Stick Device Killers out in the wild that will kill almost any electronic device they are plugged in to. Luckily that does NOT INCLUDE Apple Computers and some high end PCs which have sophisticated USB protections built in. Low end PCs and most USB peripherals are most likely at risk. No, contrary to the article, iPhones and iPads are not at risk even if they can locate the proper USB to Lightning cable adaptors as those Apple devices also have the proper protection circuitry built in. These devices are NOT TEST EQUIPMENT, no matter how much the maker dances and dodges making such a claim. Test equipment that destroys the equipment during the test is not a useful test! — PING!

Pinging dayglored, ThunderSleeps, and ShadowAce for their respective lists.

Thanks to TheBatmann for the head's up.

USBKill Device In The Wild
Ping!

The latest Apple/Mac/iOS Pings can be found by searching Keyword "ApplePingList" on FreeRepublic's Search.

If you want on or off the Mac Ping List, Freepmail me

[exDemMom]

So, would this be useful for killing a hard drive quickly?

[soycd]

Well, if you have made it past the shotguns in the hall and managed to plug your HV USB into my ports...you may discover the deadman switch.

[El Cid]

...a Hong Kong-based company built a weaponized pocket-sized USB stick, which when plugged into a device, will rapidly charge its capacitors from the USB power supply and then discharge, frying the affected device's circuits.

The fact that the company makes one without markings tells you everything you need to know about their ethics!

Forget it Jake, it's China(town)....

Companies that dump Melamine into baby formula to make a few bucks, probably don't include the word 'ethics' in their vocabulary.

That said, I have heard they are getting better. The spread of Christianity in their Country should help - albeit the love of money is a stubborn root (no matter where it grows) to dig out and destroy.

[granite]

I think there is malware that can do this as well.

[MeneMeneTekelUpharsin]

Wallet killer. Probably doesn’t work at all and whoever buys it wanting to zap someone else’s device gets his/her wallet zapped instead.

[tophat9000]

Basically its causing a statics zap or a short circuit ...so it’s not going to affect the date on the platters its just going to disable the electronics ..put a new circuit board on the drive and it’s going to be available again

As long as the USB port is properly isolated from the main components you should be protected... so they’re not blowing all PC motherboards are just blowing cheap PC motherboards

[Vendome]

They should be shot on sight...

[budj]

Back in the 60’s we had a lightening strike in our back yard. It blew out all the electrics in the house, and they were smoking.

The black, dial AT&T phone worked perfectly; we used it to call for help.

[A CA Guy]

Yep, I know someone who has one of those bought from China.

When he gets stuff under warranty that they refuse to take back he uses that to fry the TV, Tablet, or whatever.

Best used in USB port when the item you want to fry is turned off.

[A CA Guy]

They sell them as test devises.

[ThunderSleeps]

A pointer to a dangerous device - ANDROID PING!
Android Ping! If you want on or off the Android Ping List, Freepmail me.

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Perhaps the best line from the article: "This is another reason why you shouldn't plug in USB sticks you find on the street."