BadUSB Attack Prevention
Some viruses modify the firmware of USB devices to trick the operating system into detecting the USB device as a keyboard. As a result, the virus may execute commands under your user account to download malware, for example.
The BadUSB Attack Prevention component prevents infected USB devices emulating a keyboard from connecting to the computer.
When a USB device is connected to the computer and identified as a keyboard by the operating system, the application prompts the user to enter a numerical code generated by the application from this keyboard or using On-Screen Keyboard if available (see the figure below). This procedure is known as keyboard authorization.
If the code has been entered correctly, the application saves the identification parameters – VID/PID of the keyboard and the number of the port to which it has been connected – in the list of authorized keyboards. Keyboard authorization does not need to be repeated when the keyboard is reconnected or after the operating system is restarted.
When the authorized keyboard is connected to a different USB port of the computer, the application shows a prompt for authorization of this keyboard again.
If the numerical code has been entered incorrectly, the application generates a new code. You can configure the number of attempts for entering the numerical code. If the numerical code is entered incorrectly several times or the keyboard authorization window is closed (see figure below), the application blocks input from this keyboard. When the USB device blocking time elapses or the operating system is restarted, the application prompts the user to perform keyboard authorization again.
The application allows use of an authorized keyboard and blocks a keyboard that has not been authorized.
The BadUSB Attack Prevention component is not installed by default. If you need the BadUSB Attack Prevention component, you can add the component in the properties of the installation package before installing the application or change the available application components after installing the application.
Keyboard authorization
BadUSB Attack Prevention component settings
Parameter |
Description |
|---|---|
Prohibit use of On-Screen Keyboard for authorization of USB devices |
If the check box is selected, the application blocks use of On-Screen Keyboard for authorization of a USB device from which an authorization code cannot be entered. |
Maximum number of USB device authorization attempts |
Automatically blocking the USB device if the authorization code is entered incorrectly the specified number of times. Valid values are 1 to 10. For example, if you allow 5 attempts to enter the authorization code, the USB device is blocked after the fifth failed attempt. Kaspersky Endpoint Security displays the blocking duration for the USB device. After this time elapses, you can have 5 attempts to enter the authorization code. |
Timeout when reaching the maximum number of attempts |
Blocking duration of the USB device after the specified number of failed attempts to enter the authorization code. Valid values are 1 to 180 (minutes). |