Kickstarter recently featured the HackCable, a USB-C cable designed for cybersecurity research and system testing. It resembles a standard charging cable but includes features like built-in Wi-Fi and keystroke injection, providing a discreet and versatile tool for professionals and researchers.

HackCable is available in two versions, each powered by a different microcontroller: the ESP32-S3 or the RP2040.

The Wi-Fi-enabled version utilizes the ESP32-S3 microcontroller, enabling remote operations via a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot. The ESP32-S3 features a dual-core processor running at up to 240 MHz, integrated Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, and extensive connectivity options for complex tasks. Users can control the cable through a smartphone or other devices, and the version supports master-slave configurations for synchronized operations.

The standard version of HackCable is built around the RP2040 microcontroller, which offers dual-core ARM Cortex-M0+ processing at up to 133 MHz, 2MB onboard QSPI Flash, USB 1.1 support, and programmable GPIO pins. This configuration focuses on cost-effective, offline operations while still supporting keystroke injection tasks.

HackCable is compatible with Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS, allowing straightforward integration across platforms. According to the product page, its plug-and-play functionality simplifies setup, enabling users to focus on testing and research.

The device is open source, allowing developers to modify firmware and customize features. Programming support includes Python, C/C++, MicroPython, and other languages.

Further information

The HackCable is available at early backer prices, with the RP2040 version offered at $45 and the Wi-Fi version at $55 for a limited time. Refer to the Kickstarter page for additional options and details.