Little Gadgets’ Hacknect is a wireless USB Type-A hacking cable powered by the ESP32-S3, offering Wi-Fi control, HID automation for keyboard/mouse events, payload deployment, and a microSD card slot hidden in one of the Type-A connectors. This USB cable is tailored for makers, developers, automation enthusiasts, and cybersecurity researchers and can be wirelessly controlled from your smartphone or computer. It resembles a standard cable, which could make unfamiliar USB cables appear suspicious in the future.
Hacknect specifications include:
– Wireless SoC – ESP32‑S3 with WiFi 4 and Bluetooth 5.x
– Storage – MicroSD card slot (inside one of the USB Type-A ports)
– USB – 2x USB Type-A male ports (Full-speed, 12 Mbps)
– Features:
– Keystroke injection – Automated keyboard payloads using HID emulation
– Mouse injection – Simulated mouse movements and automated actions
– Payload slots – Store and manage multiple payloads directly on the device
– Wi‑Fi Triggers – Trigger actions wirelessly from smartphones or computers
– Self‑Destruct Mode – Quickly erase stored payloads and sensitive data
– Dimensions – TBC (mostly looks like a standard USB-A to USB-A cable)
The Hacknect cable can be managed through a web-based control panel on mobile devices or desktop computers using a compatible web browser. You can instantly launch payloads by selecting from various options:
– Self destruct
– Keystroke injection
– USB keylogger
– Payload drop
– Send file
– Lock system
– Network disconnect
– Packet viewer
– System analyzer
– System reboot
– Remote console
– USB device monitor
– WiFi triggers
While technical details are sparse for this “open-source” project, the firmware source code, example payloads, and related documentation are projected to be released upon shipping.
Previously, the Hackstar cable featuring an RP2040 or ESP32-S3 MCU offered similar capabilities without the microSD card slot. The Hacknect has recently been launched on Kickstarter, raising nearly $14,000 to date. Similar to other security/hacking devices, it carries a high premium over the BoM cost, with “Early Bird” pledges starting at 65 Euros (around $75 US) not including shipping, which adds approximately $19 US. Deliveries are anticipated to begin by August 2026.