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deadman

Deadman is linux kernel module deadman-switch that responds to removal of a specific USB device (or the insertion of any).

Rationale

When information on the computer is encrypted, it is still accessible when in use, unencrypted. Only when turned off does the encryption fully protect the information, and when a computer is seized by a competent agent while running, unencrypted information can be accessed. If the computer can be made to turn off in an emergency, it will heightens the security. A deadman USB device only needs to be removed to trigger a power-off, and when it is strapped to ones wrist, it will be harder to prevent the removal when attacked. Another attack is insertion of a USB device into a running system, and this can also be made to trigger a power-off.

Build & Use

  • Required: make linux-headers gcc
  • Build: make
  • Install: sudo make install
  • Usage: sudo insmod <path>/deadman.ko [id=0xVENDPROD] [off=0] [ins=1] [log=0]
  • Usage (if installed): sudo modprobe deadman [id=0xVENDPROD] [off=0] [ins=1] [log=0]
    • id: VEND is the 2-byte hexadecimal code for idVendor and PROD for idProduct. The id parameter can also be set to a default device in the source before building.
    • off: if off=0 is given, the computer will not turn off on a panic.
    • ins: if ins=1 is given, any USB device getting inserted triggers a panic.
    • log: if log=0 is given, no messages will be logged anywhere.