FBI warns of KeySweeper keystroke loggers disguised as USB phone chargers

The FBI is warning actors in the private sector about a rapid diffusion of stealthy keystroke loggers disguised as USB phone chargers.

The FBI issued a Private Industry Notification warning of the abuse of KeySweeper components that are able to sniff everything users type into wireless keyboards. I have written about KeySweeper around 15 months ago when the creator, the ingenious Samy Kamkarreleased the project.

“KeySweeper is a covert device that resembles a functional Universal Serial Bus (USB) enabled device charger which conceals hardware capable of harvesting keystrokes from certain wireless keyboards”  reads the FBI’salert.” If placed strategically in an office or other location where individuals might use wireless devices, a malicious cyber actor could potentially harvest personally identifiable information, intellectual property, trade secrets, passwords, or other sensitive information. Since the data is intercepted prior to reaching the CPU, security managers may not have insight into how sensitive information is being stolen.”

Samy Kamkar designed a cheap USB wall charger that can eavesdrop on almost any Microsoft wireless keyboard, KeySweeper is a stealthy Arduino-based device that works like a generic USB mobile charger, but he has the capability to sniff, decrypts and send back keystrokes from a Microsoft wireless keyboard in the vicinity. KeySweeper can send captured data back to the operator over the Internet or using an optional GSM chip.

The KeySweeper also includes a web-based tool for live keystroke monitoring, it could be used by an attacker to send back SMS alerts triggered by specific typed keystrokes, like usernames or URLs. While the device is logging the keystrokes he is able to continue working, it will continue to sniff data also after it is unplugged because of its rechargeable built-in battery. KeySweeper is able to store the sniffed keystrokes both online and locally on the device.usernames or URLs. While the device is logging the keystrokes he is able to continue working, it will continue to sniff data also after it is unplugged because of its rechargeable built-in battery. KeySweeper is able to store the sniffed keystrokes both online and locally on the device. KeySweeper is able to store the sniffed keystrokes both online and locally on the device.