USB Killer Definition

USB Killer is a USB memory capable of destroying any computer through an electrical discharge of more than 220 volts. The creation of this device was by a Russian developer whose nickname is Dark Purple.

When this device inserts into the USB port of any computer, the powerful electrical current it transmits causes the components to overload. And then the motherboard is destroyed.

The device makes use of a DC converter (direct current) and a series of capacitors (electrical devices that store electrical energy inside).

When USB Killer is connected to a computer, the transmission of electric current to the capacitors begins, which ends when they reach levels above 220 volts.

Once at this point of current, the capacitor stops absorbing energy and becomes a voltage source. And instantaneously carrying out a discharge of 220 volts on the USB port to which it is connected.

Its creator says that this device is not only capable of destroying computers, but also televisions, consoles, and even mobile phones that have USB OTG (USB On The Go) technology.

How does this device work?

As you can intuit, in a device of such dimensions. And for a price not very high, there is no very high technology.

Even more so if its purpose is to fry other devices. That is, it is nothing specific or delicate like a mobile phone or something similar. And the truth is that you would be quite right.

  • The USB Killer mainly uses a set of capacitors to store energy. To simplify it, these are parallel metal plates that generate electricity when they receive power. The larger said electric field, the higher the stored energy.
  • Usually, this energy is expelled progressively, as if it were a dropper. However, the USB Killer uses a mechanism to launch a discharge that concentrates all the accumulated electricity.
  • The downloads could reach 110V in the first version, and in the latter, it usually reaches 210-220V.
  • If we take into account that a laptop (when charging) receives an average constant voltage of 12-25V, you can already imagine the fatal consequences.
  • Although the use recommended by the creators is to test the resistance of devices to electrical attacks. Not all users use it for this purpose.

Due to its reduced price and sale to the common public, anyone can get a USB Killer for around € 50. This allows ordinary people to test their equipment, but also for others to use it for malicious purposes.