Hacker tech tools: What they do and how to stay safe

A hacker does not always need sophisticated malware or a complicated exploit. Sometimes the hardware is the trick. An ordinary looking USB cable can hide electronics. An HDMI device can capture what is on a screen. A small box can imitate a Wi-Fi network, while another can pretend to be a keyboard and send commands faster than a person could. These tools have legitimate uses in security testing and research. They also show why cybersecurity is not only about passwords and software. Physical access, wireless networks, and the devices we connect to our computers can create opportunities for an attacker. Here are some of the tools that illustrate those risks, along with practical ways to…