KeySweeper: USB charger look-a-like which can decrypt information from wireless keyboards

KeySweeper, a device which can sniff, de-crypt, log, and report back keystrokes for wireless keyboards has been released by Poland-based security researcher  Samy Kamkar. The device resembles a large USB wall charger and it tracks everything you type on a keyboard which could range from passwords to credit card details. Once the device is connected, hackers can remotely decrypt, log and sends keystrokes using a unique software. Daily Mail reported that, the technology can be configured to record everything, and even send a text alert to the hacker if a certain combination of keys is pressed. And even if KeySweeper is unplugged, an internal battery will keep it running. The device has a maximum range as spotted on Bluetooth devices at around 20 feet. The report further added that Kamkar used Microsoft keyboards in particular, as they use the same protocol encryption, which means that once he has decrypted one, he could decrypt others. [caption id=“attachment_250159” align=“aligncenter” width=“640” class=" “]  Image: Samy Kamkar[/caption] When certain keywords are entered such as ‘password’ or ‘confidential’ or either ‘hdfcbank.com’, messages are sent to the operator. People wouldn’t even realise that they are being spied upon as the device simply looks like a USB charger plugged into a wall. The device can apparently decrypt any Microsoft keyboard nearby without having to specify its MAC address. A source code has been released along with the instructions for building a KeySweeper. The brainchild behind the device has advised people working with it without an electrical background. The unit cost would be $10 - 80 depending on the operation. The device was released on January 12 and is not for sale. The video below offers more information about KeySweeper.