BusKill: This cable erases all data on the computer if it is unplugged

BusKill is a USB cable that has a magnetic clip and connects to a computer. If it is removed, the computer may be turned off and all of its data may be erased. A suitable invention for political activists and journalists in order to protect their data.

There are several ways to protect your data, one of which is the BusKill cable. This USB cable has a magnetic clip. If it is removed from the device, the computer will be turned off and the data will be erased. This cable is designed to protect the sensitive data of journalists and political activists.

The BusKill cable acts as a precaution if your computer is compromised. It works with a simple program that lets you configure how your PC responds while not plugging in. With the basic option, a removed cable is synonymous with shutting down a computer, but the manufacturer says users can go further, such as encrypting data or simply "wrecking" a computer by erasing all data. The cable is also open source. To remove it safely, it is enough to press a button in the accompanying software.

This product has been in development for two years now and only worked on Linux, but the manufacturer wanted to port it over to Windows and make it easier to use. So even journalists or activists with limited computing skills will be able to use it, as developer Michael Altfeld explains to TechCrunch:

This cable is now on sale on the manufacturer's official website for $59. Note that in addition to journalists and activists, BusKill also targets cryptocurrency enthusiasts.