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Frequently asked questions

HOW DOES IT WORK?

Every wireless (WiFi) device has a unique hardware signature assigned to it by the manufacturer. These signatures are broadcast by wireless devices as they probe for, connect to and use wireless networks.

Cyborg Unplug sniffs the air for these signatures, looking for devices its owner has selected to ban. If a device selected to be banned is discovered, an alarm is triggered (LED, audio or message*). Further, if that device is found to be connected to a network that Cyborg Unplug is trained to guard, a stream of special 'de-authentication' signals (packets) are sent to disconnect it. It does this automatically without any interaction required from its owner.

* Due to technical limitations, alarm features may be restricted to the high-priced model.

WHY DO YOU HATE TECHNOLOGY?

We don't.

We do however recognise that technology can be used to empower or dis-empower people. The use of covert technology by spies, some governments and voyeurs dis-empowers those it targets; the rights of one are abused for the gain of another. At the same time, the race to embrace new gadgets within a broader narrative of progress can result in an uncritical relationship with new technology, one that can have adverse, rights-reducing effects on others.

Cyborg Unplug has been created to help level that imbalance, using a 'direct action' strategy of detect-and-disconnect.

IS THIS LEGAL?

It is perfectly legal to block any device you choose from a wireless network you own and/or administer.

Many wireless routers allow an administrator to create blacklists, although generally they are limited to specific devices rather than an entire product. Cyborg Unplug (using FCC (US) and CE (EU) approved hardware) is just as legal, differing only in that it takes a 'direct action' approach to wireless defense: a detect-and-disconnect routine, alarm system and an automatically updated list of devices able to be banned.

NOTE: Detecting and disconnecting devices you prohibit from using your network using Cyborg Unplug is known as Territory Mode, and is the recommended mode for using the device. Disconnecting devices from using networks that are not yours (All Out Mode) may not be legal in your jurisdiction however. As such this mode is not recommended. Please be sure you are aware of local legal restrictions and the risks involved and understand that we take no responsibility for your choice to use this mode.

A screwdriver can be used as a weapon and it can also be used to fix your stereo; if Cyborg Unplug is used irresponsibly, to cause undue harm of any sort, it's no responsibility of ours!

IS THIS A JAMMER?

No, not in any stretch of the definition.

A jammer disrupts communications within a given (radio) band by flooding it with noise. Using FCC approved router hardware, Cyborg Unplug does not and can not do this. Rather, it detects and targets a specific device and disconnects (only) it in turn by sending the same, legal, de-authentication packets any router sends when it needs to disconnect an offending device.

HOW DOES CYBORG UNPLUG STOP SPIES AND VOYEURS TAKING PHOTOS AND AUDIO/VIDEO?

It doesn't and it can't. It only stops them streaming what they record to a device or service on the Internet (Skype running on a laptop or a cloud service). Sadly, this is the case for most wireless devices used for surveillance; streaming to a machine on the Internet or in a nearby room allows for remote backups and surveillance while ensuring the offending device contains no evidence (files) of the abuse.

WHY NOT JUST PASSWORD PROTECT MY WIFI?

Cyborg Unplug isn't designed for use in those cases where there is already strict control over who uses the local wireless network. Rather, it's for those with networks used by many people (school, office, library, bar, cafe) that either give out the password or provide an open network.

Wireless devices used to spy and stream images/video/audio/data to the Internet using that network (Territory Mode) or via any network (All Out Mode, which includes tethered connections to phones) will be detected. An alarm is then signalled and the detected device is disconnected by Cyborg Unplug (please see CAN IT BE USED TO DISCONNECT DEVICES FROM ANY NETWORK? below for more information).

Importantly, no encryption of any kind is a hindrance to the detection and disconnection of wireless (WiFi and Bluetooth) devices by Cyborg Unplug: it operates at a level below the IP network (specifically at Layer 2 of the OSI stack).

WHAT IF I WANT TO ALLOW GOOGLE GLASS BUT BLOCK SPY CAMERAS?

Naturally there are many reasons you'd like to allow some devices while disallowing others. You may for instance own a Google Glass but want to detect and disallow spy cameras hidden in clothing or objects, like wrist watches and smoke detectors.

Cyborg Unplug has no bias: its owner selects the devices to disconnect, leaving others to freely connect and use your network.

WHAT ABOUT DEVICE UPDATES?

If your Cyborg Unplug is connected to the Internet (via an Ethernet cable to your router) it will anonymously (using Tor) and securely download lists of wireless devices known to be used to threaten your privacy soon after they hit the market. This means that as detectable hardware addresses change, your Cyborg Unplug will automatically become aware of them.

CAN IT BE USED TO DISCONNECT DEVICES FROM ANY NETWORK?

In short yes. But be sure to read on to understand the implications...

Disconnecting devices from using networks that are not yours (All Out Mode) may not be legal in your jurisdiction however. As such this mode is not recommended. Please be sure you are aware of local legal restrictions and the risks involved and understand that we take no responsibility for your choice to use this mode. Cyborg Unplug can be operated in two modes. The recommended mode is Territory Mode, disconnecting target devices from selected network(s) owned and operated by the user. The other mode is All Out Mode, which disconnects all detected target devices from any network they connect to, including paired connections with smartphones. Please note that using this latter mode may not be legal within your jurisdiction, so be sure to check the law beforehand and understand the risks. We take absolutely no responsibility for any disputes, legal issues or damage of any sort if you choose to deploy your Cyborg Unplug in this mode.

WOULDN'T CHANGING THE HARDWARE ADDRESS GET PAST THE CYBORG UNPLUG?

Yes it would. For this to happen however the device used for spying would have to be 'rooted' or running alternative firmware. This is not only often very difficult (in some cases practically impossible on tiny embedded devices), it's also something hardware manufacturers generally discourage, voiding warranty. As such we consider altered hardware addresses to be a fringe case.

WHAT ABOUT DEVICES TETHERED TO PHONES WITH BLUETOOTH?

We're currently looking into sniffing and breaking Bluetooth connections with the same degree of accuracy as connections using WiFi. This would be made possible on Cyborg Unplug with the purchase of an additional Bluetooth USB dongle. Please note that detecting and disconnecting select Bluetooth devices may not be legal within your jurisdiction.

WHERE WILL YOU SHIP?

We ship just about anywhere. Please note we only initially have options for EU and US plug fixtures.

IS THIS AN OPEN SOURCE PROJECT?

Yes indeed. Free and Open Source. The code will be made publicly available under the GNU General Public License the day the plugs ship. A firmware download will also be made available such that the more intrepid person can flash it onto a select range of compatible hardware targets.

HOW DID THIS PROJECT START?

Cyborg Unplug comes hot on the heels of glasshole.sh, a script written by Julian Oliver to detect and disconnect Google's Glass device from a locally owned and administered network. Following broad coverage in the press, the script struck a chord with countless people all over the world that felt either frustrated or threatened by the growing abuse of covert, camera-enabled computer technology. The call was clear: build it into a device and we'll buy it.

And Cyborg Unplug was born.