Kaspersky warns that USB mouse simulators, popular among remote workers, may introduce malware and compromise data security. Businesses are advised to improve employee cybersecurity awareness and adopt strong endpoint protections to mitigate these risks.
11 November 2024 – Kaspersky has issued a warning to remote workers and their employers about potential cybersecurity risks posed by USB mouse simulators, also known as mouse jigglers. These devices, originally designed to prevent computers from going idle and to keep online status indicators active in workplace messengers, have surged in popularity with the rise of hybrid and remote work. However, experts caution that they may serve as a cyberthreat vector, particularly when sourced from unknown vendors, potentially introducing malware that compromises both employee and company data.
Throughout 2024, Kaspersky detected and blocked three billion local threats globally, with 493 million incidents reported in Asia. Many of these threats involved malware transmitted through removable devices like USBs, CDs, and DVDs, highlighting the vulnerability of endpoints to hardware-based attacks.
Marc Rivero, Lead Security Researcher at Kaspersky, advises users to avoid connecting unknown USB devices to corporate computers, as they could serve as entry points for cybercriminals seeking access to confidential data or intending to disrupt corporate systems. He recommends that businesses conduct regular cybersecurity training to raise awareness of these threats and implement reliable endpoint protection on corporate devices to detect and neutralize suspicious activity.
To mitigate these risks, Kaspersky suggests that organizations adopt robust cybersecurity solutions, such as the Kaspersky Next product line, to provide real-time protection against both online and offline threats. Additionally, employees should engage in digital literacy training to better recognize potential cyber risks. For individuals, Kaspersky advises using comprehensive security software, such as Kaspersky Premium, to manage and scan all connected devices, and to select USB accessories from reputable brands only.
