Duck Hunter: Encountering USB Rubber Ducky Threat

I.INTRODUCTION USB ports are ubiquitous in modern computing systems, facilitating convenient data transfers and device connections.However, they also serve as potential attack vectors for cybercriminals.One of the most notable tools used in USB-based attacks is the USB Rubber Ducky, a malicious device that masquerades as a Human Interface Device (HID) such as a keyboard.Unlike traditional USB drives, the USB Rubber Ducky executes pre-programmed keystrokes at high speed, injecting malicious commands directly into the target system without the need for user interaction.Due to the widespread trust placed in HID devices by operating systems, USB Rubber Ducky attacks can bypass many security mechanisms, including antivirus software and firewalls.This has made such attacks particularly attractive to cybercriminals, as they can lead to data theft, unauthorized access, and the installation of malware.While some organizations employ policies and endpoint security tools to block USB access altogether, these solutions often hinder productivity and do not address the core vulnerability.The aim of this research is to develop a robust defense system specifically designed to mitigate the threat posed by USB Rubber Ducky attacks.By simulating real-world hacking scenarios, identifying system vulnerabilities, and designing countermeasures, this project seeks to create an efficient method of detection, prevention, and user awareness that can protect systems without impeding legitimate device use. II.RESEARCH PROBLEM USB Rubber Ducky devices exploit a critical weakness in modern computing systems: the automatic trust and recognition of Human Interface Devices (HIDs) by operating systems.Traditional cybersecurity measures are ineffective against USB Rubber Ducky attacks due to several key factors: 1) Device Masquerading: The USB Rubber Ducky appears as a legitimate keyboard or mouse, circumventing many security protocols that focus on software-based threats.2) Keystroke Injection Speed: The device delivers malicious payloads in the form of rapid keystrokes, faster than a human user could type.This speed allows attackers to execute complex commands or scripts without detection by conventional systems.3) Lack of Effective Detection: While software-based antivirus tools are adept at identifying malware, they are not designed to detect malicious behavior from devices that mimic legitimate hardware.This gap in detection leaves systems vulnerable to attacks via USB ports.4) User Awareness: Many users are unaware of the risks posed by inserting untrusted USB devices.The automatic trust granted to USB devices means users often unknowingly expose their systems to potential compromise.This research seeks to address the following problem: -How can systems effectively detect, prevent, and mitigate USB Rubber Ducky attacks without disrupting legitimate USB device usage?The goal is to design a comprehensive solution that leverages behavioral analysis, device recognition, and intrusion detection to safeguard systems from malicious USB devices while maintaining usability. III.OBJECTIVE The primary objective of this research is to develop a robust cybersecurity solution that can detect, prevent, and mitigate the threat posed by USB Rubber Ducky attacks.Specifically, the project aims to: 1) To Develop an effective detection system that distinguishes between legitimate Human Interface Devices (HIDs) and USB Rubber Ducky devices by analyzing device behavior and keystroke patterns.2) To Create countermeasures that automatically block or neutralize malicious USB Rubber Ducky devices while minimizing disruptions to legitimate device usage.