This USB cable will kill your laptop if disconnected

BusKill USB Cable
(Image credit: BusKill)

Although you can use antivirus software to protect against viruses and a VPN to protect your privacy online, protecting your devices against physical attacks can be much more challenging.

For this reason, a project called BusKill has launched a custom USB magnetic breakaway cable that acts as a dead man's switch for your laptop.

With BusKill's custom USB cable connected, your computer will be automatically locked if someone else severs the magnetic connectors when trying to take your device. While this kind of security may be overkill for the average user, journalists, activists, politicians and others who are more at risk can use this product from preventing their devices and data from ending up in the wrong hands.

The creators of BusKill have been working on this project for more than two years. The initial version was developed as a do-it-yourself project that allowed anyone with the hardware to compile the source code though up until now, it only worked on Linux and the components needed to set it up quickly sold out.

BusKill

Following a crowdsourcing effort on CrowdSupply, BusKill's custom USB cable is now available to purchase for $59 and comes with an app that works on macOS, Windows and Linux that allows users to arm and disarm the cable with the touch of a button.

Michael Altfield who created BusKill provided further insight on the project's latest iteration and explained why he decided to expand its scope beyond Linux to TechCrunch, saying:

“Most people aren’t handling top-secret documents from whistleblowers and worried about the secret police knocking down their doors, but that’s the level of risk that I designed BusKill for. And I wanted it to be accessible to journalists who don’t necessarily use Linux and don’t know how to use the CLI [command line interface].” 

For those users that are familiar with Linux, they can actually configure BusKill's app to trigger a self-destruct command in addition to locking their devices. This command scrambles a device's cryptographic keys which makes the data on their devices completely inaccessible to prying eyes.

Going forward, Altfield plans to release triggers for BusKill that shut down a computer when the magnetic cable is severed.

We've also highlighted the best security keys, best endpoint protection software and best identity theft protection

Via TechCrunch

TOPICS
Anthony Spadafora

After working with the TechRadar Pro team for the last several years, Anthony is now the security and networking editor at Tom’s Guide where he covers everything from data breaches and ransomware gangs to the best way to cover your whole home or business with Wi-Fi. When not writing, you can find him tinkering with PCs and game consoles, managing cables and upgrading his smart home. 

Read more
Buffalo RUF3-KEV
Behold, a USB flash drive which doubles as hardware-level antivirus
Computer Hacked, System Error, Virus, Cyber attack, Malware Concept. Danger Symbol
Apple users facing new security risks after critical USB component hacked
Parcels stamped with a shopping cart logo in a trolley on a laptop keyboard
Selling your laptop or PC? Do this first
Frustrated unhappy laptop user girl touching head at work table with computer
Five essential tips for keeping your new PC secure
Abstract illustration of a young woman looking at a smartphone, as large eyes peek through from her hair
Want to hit restart on your online presence? Here's 5 tools you need to stay truly private online
Young woman holds a smartphone with a beam of light obscuring her eyes
Privacy powerhouses: 5 apps to take your online security to the next level
Latest in Pro
An image of network security icons for a network encircling a digital blue earth.
Why multi-CDNs are going to shake up 2025
A stylized depiction of a padlocked WiFi symbol sitting in the centre of an interlocking vault.
Broadcom warns of worrying security flaws affecting VMware tools
URL phishing
HaveIBeenPwned owner suffers phishing attack that stole his Mailchimp mailing list
Ransomware
Cl0p resurgence drives ransomware attacks to new highs in 2025
Millwall FC The Den
The UK's first football club mobile network is here - but you probably won't guess which team has launched it
A person using a smartphone with a cybersecurity lock symbol appearing over it.
The growing threat of device code phishing and how to defend against It
Latest in News
Xbox Series X and Xbox wireless controller set to a green background
Xbox Insiders are currently testing a new Game Hub feature that looks useful, but I've got mixed feelings about it
A stylized depiction of a padlocked WiFi symbol sitting in the centre of an interlocking vault.
Broadcom warns of worrying security flaws affecting VMware tools
Microsoft Surface Laptop and Surface Pro devices on a table.
Hate Windows 11’s search? Microsoft is fixing it with AI, and that almost makes me want to buy a Copilot+ PC
Oura Ring 4
Activity tracking on Oura Ring is about to get a whole lot better, but I've got bad news about your step count
Google Pixel Buds Pro 2
Cleaned your Pixel Buds Pro 2 recently? If not, you might be getting worse sound
Google Maps on a phone being held in someone's hand
Google Maps is getting two key upgrades, for easier route planning and quicker access to Gemini AI