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.. |btc| unicode:: U+20BF .. BITCOIN CURRENCY
.. _what:
What is BusKill?
================
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BusKill is the world's first laptop `kill cord <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kill_cord>`_--it's a hardware `Dead Man's Switch <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dead_man%27s_switch>`_ that executes some user-configurable ``trigger`` when your machine is physically separated from you.
The ``trigger`` that's executed when the cable's connection is severed can either [a] lock the screen or [b] shutdown the machine.
.. image:: /images/buskill_demo.gif
:align: center
Advanced users can add ``auxiliary triggers``, such as a `self-destruct trigger that wipes the LUKS header <https://buskill.in/luks-self-destruct/>`_, making the entire disk permanently inaccessible (even to `rubber-hose cryptanalysis <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rubber-hose_cryptanalysis>`_).
.. note:: If you `purchase a BusKill cable <https://buskill.in/buy>`_, or use the :ref:`BusKill App <download_app>`, it will only ship with non-destructive triggers that will not cause data-loss.
BusKill can protect the data stored on your (encrypted) device (and any accounts that you're currently logged-into) from a snatch-and-run thief.
.. figure:: /images/rubber_hose_cryptanalysis.png
:align: center
Rubber Hose Cryptanalysis (source: `xkcd <https://xkcd.com/538/>`_)
Who Uses BusKill?
=================
There are several use-cases for BusKill. It can be useful for:
|:airplane:| Travelers
----------------------
The `classic use-case <https://tech.michaelaltfield.net/2020/01/02/buskill-laptop-kill-cord-dead-man-switch/>`_ for BusKill is to protect a traveler's devices and accounts when using the device in public, such as a café when taking holiday in Paris or a coworking hot desk when on a business trip in San Francisco.
BusKill can protect a tourist's bank accounts from a snatch-and-run laptop thief when logged-into online banking.
|:studio_microphone:| Journalists
---------------------------------
In many countries, `reporting the truth can be a life-threatening occupation <https://rsf.org/en/ranking>`_.
BusKill can help journalists operating in an oppressive regimes keep their documents and their sources safe when the political police suddenly raid their workplace.
|:peace:| Activists
-------------------
Many oppressive governments and businesses have imprisoned and murdered peaceful protesters.
BusKill can keep an activist's affinity group safe when the `secret police <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Secret_police>`_ suddenly raid an organizer's home.
|btc| Crypto Traders
--------------------
In the `cryptocurrency <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cryptocurrency>`_ space, *"you are your own bank"*.
BusKill can protect the private keys stored on a crypto trader's machine while trading OTC or on an exchange.
|:briefcase:| Businesses
--------------------------
Business has always been the backbone of infosec. Data stored on employee's laptops (whether private keys or IP) can easily cause millions or billions of dollars in losses to a company.
BusKill can prevent an unlocked computer from ending-up in a competitor's hands.
|:spy:| Military/Intelligence
-----------------------------
BusKill can be a life-saver for intelligence operatives behind enemy lines.
|
