Over the last few years we’ve seen a rise in wireless keyboards, mice and other peripherals. These devices connect wirelessly to your PC without any cords or ports being used. But some experts are now warning that these products can be vulnerable to hackers who may download viruses onto them from their manufacturers or even cloned versions of popular peripheral brands like Logitech by taking advantage of vulnerabilities on companies’ websites.,
The “wireless keyboard virus” is a common question that many people have asked. The answer is yes, wireless keyboards can get a virus.
As technology progresses, so do the benefits and risks that it brings. Wireless gadgets are a great example of these conveniences. Wireless phones and headphones are two examples that we use on a daily basis. Wireless keyboards and mice have just been on the market, allowing us to do business from anywhere. While the convenience is appealing, you may be concerned about the possibility of malware infecting wireless keyboards and mouse.
Wireless keyboards and mice, it turns out, do not catch infections. They CAN, however, be hacked and used to spread malware to computers. An attacker can pick up, command, and simulate non-Bluetooth wireless keyboards and mice within a 300-foot range using Mousejack and a dongle.
One of the biggest drawbacks of using a non-Bluetooth keyboard and mouse is that there is no universal security standard or set of rules that each manufacturer must adhere to, which means that how each vendor secures their system might differ greatly. Continue reading to learn what occurs when Mousejack is used on wireless keyboards and mice, as well as some suggestions for the best secure wireless keyboards and mice.
Can a Virus Infect a Wireless Mouse?
A nearby dongle masquerading as a mouse may be used to transfer a virus to the computer through a wireless mouse. The movement of a mouse is how it communicates. A dongle inserted into a computer receives the information from a wireless mouse. To deliver data to the dongle, wireless mouse and wireless keyboards function together.
While many providers encrypt information transmitted via a keyboard, just a handful will encrypt the motions of a mouse. A nearby attacker dongle may detect and duplicate such moves. They may then utilize the mouse movements to transmit a keypress packet to the other computer without having to use any of the keyboard’s keystrokes. The dongle interprets mouse movements as originating from its own mouse and keyboard.
In short, no, a mouse cannot get infected with a virus; nevertheless, it may be hacked and used to transmit a virus to your computer.
Is it possible for a wireless keyboard to be hacked and infected with a virus?
A keyboard, like a wireless mouse, may be hijacked and used to communicate a virus to the computer. This happens when the dongle you’re using on your computer doesn’t need the keystrokes from your keyboard to be encrypted, similar to the mouse case. In this situation, the attacker dongle may imitate the identical keystrokes, tricking the other dongle into believing it got a command (such a password) from its own keyboard.
While a keyboard cannot itself be infected with a virus, it may be used by an attacker to get access to your computer and transmit a virus to it. The hacker can do anything they want after they’ve exploited that vulnerability.
Recommendations
Now that you know that wireless keyboards and mice may have viruses, you know what to look for and where to purchase for the safest wireless keyboards and mice, which include the following:
logitech is the source of this information.
This wireless mouse is Bluetooth enabled, which means it meets a security standard, making it less likely to be infected with a virus or attacked. Other advantages include its two-year battery life and ergonomic shape, which makes it more pleasant to lay your hand on for lengthy periods of time.
This wireless mouse has a long battery life and powers down automatically when not in use. This unusual-looking mouse works on a number of PCs and can connect with a computer from up to 33 feet away.
logitech is the source of this information.
Despite being wireless, this keyboard and mouse set remain full-sized, allowing you to work from anywhere with little adjustments. They may last three years before they need to be recharged. Hotkeys are also included on the keyboard, making fast and easy checks (such as battery life) possible.
This wireless keyboard is simple to set up and has a six-month lithium battery life. Its stainless-steel construction makes it durable, but it also allows for silent typing that won’t irritate you or others around you. It is lightweight and portable, making it simple to transport from one location to another, whether inside the same building or on your travels.
Conclusion
Wireless keyboards and mice transfer radio frequency packets to a dongle that is inserted into the computer to interact with it. If the seller does not encrypt the data transferred to the dongle (as is occasionally the case), a nearby dongle might pick up on the keyboard strokes or mouse movements and relay the identical data to the hacker’s computer, allowing them to gain access or send damaging information to your device.
Sources:
https://www.bastille.net/research/vulnerabilities/mousejack/technical-details
Watch This Video-
The “mousejack virus” is a computer virus that affects wireless mice and keyboards. The virus can take over the mouse or keyboard, send out spam messages, or even steal personal information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a keyboard and mouse get a virus?
A: Keys are not a real keyboard, theyre just buttons on top of some other device. A mouse is an input device that you move with your hand to control the computer. So… no?
Can a mouse cause a virus?
A: A mouse can cause a virus, but not necessarily. If you have been in contact with someone who has recently come into contact with mice or rodent droppings, then there is a chance that the person could be infected and it would spread to other people via physical touch.
Can you get a virus from a Bluetooth keyboard?
A: As long as all of your files are backed up and you keep a minimum separation between the Bluetooth keyboard and other devices, then no.
Related Tags
- can you get a virus from a usb mouse
- computer mouse virus symptoms
- mousejack
- can you get a virus through hdmi
- how to remove virus from mouse
