Chrome OS’ USBGuard Locks down USB Ports

Posted by

Shane McGlaun |

Wed, Jan 02, 2019 – 8:00 AM

Fans of Chrome OS and the Chromebooks that run the operating system will soon have a new security method to protect their machines. The new security feature is called USBGuard, and it is designed to lock down the USB port of your Chromebook when your machine is locked. This is meant to protect the computer against a malicious attack that uses a USB drive to mimic a keyboard called a “Rubber Ducky” attack.

The new security feature was spied in the Canary Chrome build and reportedly stops the OS from reading the code or executing commands from USB drives when the Chromebook is locked. USB devices that are connected to the Chromebook when it is locked will continue to function.

Reports indicate that there will also be a feature that allows users to whitelist specific USB devices like a keyboard and mouse. Those features should allow Chromebook users who like to dock their machines for use in the home or office to use the machine as desired.

The new security feature is meant to prevent something called a Rubber Ducky attack that is a USB drive that is essentially a mini computer that poses as a keyboard and injects pre-programmed keystroke sequences at up to 1000 wpm. It’s unclear exactly when the USBGuard feature will land.