“USB Killer” flash drive can fry your computer’s innards in seconds

[ChrisSmolinski]

Now, a researcher who goes by the name Dark Purple has created a USB device that can permanently destroy much of a computer's innards, rendering the machine little more than an expensive doorstop. Within seconds of being plugged in, the USB stick delivers a negative 220-volt electric surge into the USB port. As the video below demonstrates, that's enough to permanently damage the IBM Thinkpad receiving the charge.

http://arstechnica.com/security/2015/10/usb-killer-flash-drive-can-fry-your-computers-innards-in-seconds/

[Pigmeat]

Why do I have a vision these being slapped together by young pranksters and left around libraries in middle schools, high schools, and universities to nail the nosy types nationwide?

BTW, do you have one and you know who's address, Chris?

[Fansome]

I could see adapting one of these into a modern-day "joy buzzer". I'm sure I'd make millions selling something so innovative.

[Pigmeat]

Not to mention the hundreds of millions in lawsuits.

Isn't there a venomous sea snake with your name on it on Venice Beach, Al?

[John Poet]

Where can I order?

I'd like to send some to my favorite FCC agents....

[ByteBORG]

Take into account also, that someone had to sit down and actually design this "killing machine" from the ground up. From the
printed circuit board, to the electronics, to the USB enclosure it all sits in.

For one specific purpose.

Pretty ominous, ya think?

[Pigmeat]

Take into account also, that someone had to sit down and actually design this "killing machine" from the ground up. From the
printed circuit board, to the electronics, to the USB enclosure it all sits in.

For one specific purpose.

Pretty ominous, ya think?

Nah, Al is always up to stuff like this. It's all that fish he eats stimulating his giant brain.

He's got a Cessna mounted death ray ready for this dry season's python hunt. We're going to napalm the Everglades and zap 'em as they try to wriggle out. Nella has the honor of standing on the wing to release the napalm carboys.

When do you want to make the practice runs on Palm Beach, Al? There ought to be a few Kennedy's down there soon. We've got to practice on the little snakes to bag the big ones.