• SteefLem@lemmy.world
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    4 months ago

    I think i read somewhere that the cia said they dont install bugs anymore because now ppl do that themselfs.

    • T156@lemmy.world
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      4 months ago

      It’s also a lot easier to do it in software, since you don’t need to splice wires and leave physical traces like you would have had to do in the day.

      A well-configured charger or Flash drive can do that job for you, and can spread itself.

        • T156@lemmy.world
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          4 months ago

          Yes, since most modern chargers and cables have internal chips to communicate capabilities with for things like fast-charging. It is not difficult to have the chip identify itself as something else, and execute a payload.

          A common attack method is to have it show up as a keyboard, and execute a series of key-sequences when connected to a computer (like opening and executing things through a command prompt).

          It is also why you should try and avoid plugging random USB cables/chargers into your phone/computer when out and about, since you don’t exactly know if the other end is what it appears to be.