How A Little Gadget Can Hack Your Business

Believe it or not, network security isn't all about protecting your networks from an online attack. There is a new gadget that has many people who work in the tech field worried about the future of network security.



The new device is called Pwn (pronounced like "own") Plug and it's created by a start up company called Pwnie Express. The word "Pwn" is internet/hacker jargon for beating someone, sort of like a cyber-"checkmate". Trust me that this little gadget lives up to it's name. It is a small device, about the size of a power adaptor or a plug in air freshener. In fact, several versions of the device are designed to look like an air freshener and even have stickers to make them more discrete.



Basically, the Pwn Plug is a system admins worst nightmare. It's a tiny computer that comes prepackaged with a complete set of hacking tools. All it takes is for someone to plug one of these into an outlet and into the computer network. From there, a hacker can remotely access the device and have full access to the network from the inside.



In a recent security test, a major bank sent in someone who was dressed as a computer technician. At each branch he visited, the man said that he was there to test the power fluctuations and needed to plug in a monitor. Holding the small device that looked like a power adaptor, the bank employees fell for it. Not only did they allow him to connect it, but they even helped him do it! In fact, they allowed him complete access to the bank and even moved furniture around so he could reach plugs behind the desks.  After the breaking into the networks at the first four branches, the bank called off the test saying that they gave up. Which is scary.



What makes the Pwn Plug dangerous is that it is relatively cheap (the basic model starts at $480 and the wireless one is an extra $250) and when installed correctly, employees wouldn't notice the extra plug. All a hacker has to do is get in, plug it in and then wait for a text message from the device saying that it is connected and accessing the network. The process is so quick that the hacker would know if the device is working before they even leave the business.



Of course, the applications for the device aren't just for hacking a network. They also can be a benefit to a company who needs a low cost way to access a remote network. Instead of having to fly techs out to different locations to troubleshoot network issues, they can check up on the problem from their desks, saving the company the travel expense.



Since the company started in 2010, the sales of the Pwn Plug have been large enough that the creator was able to quit his day job and devote his time to filling orders from large companies and even the Department of Defense.



Have you heard of the Pwn Plug? Do you think that these gadgets could infiltrate your network? Why or why not?