HotPlug: transport a PC without powering it down (and letting drive crypto kick in)

WiebeTech's "Hot Plug" is a device that allows cops -- and data-thieves -- to unplug a computer from the wall without powering it down, preventing the machine from locking down the drives with crypto. Basically, you unscrew the wall-socket (or the power-strip), attach HotPlug (a UPS) to the power-wires, then cut the wires out of the wall -- HotPlug keeps the juice running.

Connect HotPlug LT to the computer's power source. There are several ways to achieve this. It's easiest if the target computer is on a Power Strip. If it's not, use Plug Capture Device, or one of the advanced methods to gain access to the computer's supply of power.

Link (via Schneier)

[#1 posted by macegr , February 22, 2008 1:44 AM]

This is great...they'll kindly keep my computer powered up while the motion sensor kicks in and does a triple-erase of the hard drive en route.

[#2 posted by Jim O'Connell , February 22, 2008 1:46 AM]

I'm assuming that this is the method George Costanza's electrician used to transport the Frogger machine.

[#3 posted by eclectro , February 22, 2008 2:49 AM]

@1 It's not the hard drive, but the *DRAM* that this hack targets, and there is (at this time) no prevention against it.

I suggest using a motion sensor with squids on the ram. Just my opinion. Another thing - All those Blu-ray discs are now officially hacked, even if they haven't been yet.

[#4 posted by Agies , February 22, 2008 6:33 AM]

I know it's the easiest way to show a computer running, but am I the only one who finds it weird that they kept showing the monitor to prove that the power was still on? It made sense in the first video where they use a power strip, but in all of the other segments they are providing power to a single outlet.

[#5 posted by arkizzle , February 22, 2008 6:43 AM]

hmm.. time to start reverse wiring your computer power leads, and setting my wall outlets in concrete.

[#6 posted by tazzy531 , February 22, 2008 7:08 AM]

Check out 3:33 of the first video. The guy is wearing a blazer, nice button down shirt, and cargo shorts with sneakers.

Nize!

[#7 posted by Takuan , February 22, 2008 7:08 AM]

need to make an armoured sleeve to cover the power cable with exposed hot right underneath it

also, modify the duplex outlet so only one outlet works

[#8 posted by Ken Hansen , February 22, 2008 7:16 AM]

RE: #3 - correct!

Old news - they did this on the TV show Seinfeld, in an attempt to preserve a high-score on a Frogger machine...

[#9 posted by Jeff , February 22, 2008 7:19 AM]

What's the real answer to preventing data-sucking-demons from pulling the plug and ghost scanning? Nothing short of a good lawyer, and just make sure you've got current back-ups off site. I'm assuming at this point that the demons have come in with a warrant.

[#10 posted by Landowner , February 22, 2008 7:42 AM]

If the police are taking such pains to get your data you're pretty much screwed. So what if the data gets encrypted? They have your sorry ass. I know I could take about 1/2 a second of torture. And you?

[#11 posted by The Unusual Suspect , February 22, 2008 9:39 AM]

Hm.

Time to install those giant magnets into the door frame surrounding the only exit from the room.

[#12 posted by Takuan , February 22, 2008 10:11 AM]

you notice how they just walk away from the now exposed hot conductor hanging out of the wall?

[#13 posted by gswitter , February 22, 2008 12:26 PM]

So why not just hack the plug on your power cord so that it incorporates a plate that covers the screws on the outlet cover?

[#14 posted by Jeff , February 22, 2008 1:35 PM]

Electromagnetic door frame? Hmmm, if you ran a 220 line you could probably generate a stronge enough field, but the capacitors and the rest make it a very pricy bit of home security. Plus, you'll need to have backups in a country that will not allow the Feds access to the data, which you will not be able to destory with a big magnet.

[#15 posted by Takuan , February 22, 2008 1:38 PM]

just run the 220 to the tower case

[#16 posted by w000t , February 22, 2008 2:38 PM]

My comment response to Schneier's post still seems like the simplest way to defeat this device (for desktop machines):

Seems like the best countermeasure for this particular device would be to wire a momentary switch into the bottom of the case. As long as the computer is sitting on the desk, the power supply is on and the other power switch functions normally. Once the case is picked up off the desk, the momentary switch would power off the machine at the power supply from inside the case. Alternately, you could rig a giant stone sphere to roll through the wall when they lifted the computer - unless they were carrying a bag of sand....

I don't particularly need this type of protection (I don't encrypt anyway), but I'm thinking of doing this in something else. Maybe my little tiki should light up and roar if you pick it up....

[#17 posted by Krisjohn , February 22, 2008 3:02 PM]

@eclectro I think you mean "squib".

And, frankly, if the police can pull this off they deserve to get a look inside the PC. I'd be surprised if the power cable stayed in both the wall/board AND the PC with all this jerking around.

Also, whose power cables are that easy to get to and untangle?