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“Your computer has been infected by the BIOS Root Kit virus.”
“All files have been encrypted.”
“Shutting down and restarting won’t help, all defenses are ineffective.”
“To decrypt, you must spend some money at the link below.”
If it were you, would you be terrified to see your computer turn into this ransomware interface?
But actually don’t worry, if you really click that link, you will find that the page only has a video, with the text below:
This is a prank.
Yes, someone disguised an ESP32 development board as a GPU, creating this prank!
“All files have been encrypted?”
The person who came up with this “bad idea” is a programmer who enjoys “messing with” hardware.
He explained that implementing this prank is not difficult:
You just need an ESP32 board with a VGA interface, write some code, and connect it to the computer of your unsuspecting friend.
There are three connection methods:
1. You just need to connect the programmed ESP32 board to a monitor with a VGA interface and power the board via USB.
However, this VGA interface is indeed a bit outdated, so you might want to get an HDMI adapter for practical use.
2. If you work at certain IT companies, many places may have KVM switches deployed, in which case you can simply plug the board into the ports behind the machine.
3. If you really want to make the prank more exciting, the programmer suggests finding a small cover designed for 9-pin serial or VGA interfaces.
Then remove the old connector, replace it with our “devil” board, and mount it inside the computer case. Power it using a USB connection to a power bank.
Look at how “seamless” it appears; who wouldn’t believe it…
Just imagine the scene: plug in the display, and it immediately shows ransomware, the “victim” must be completely stunned.
The code for the “ransom” interface has been open-sourced by the programmer, and I must say the final effect is indeed very realistic:
It will display a blinking cursor, but no matter how frantically they type on the keyboard, nothing goes in, driving them crazy!
But only you know, this is just a static page. It won’t affect anyone’s computer.
All files are encrypted? Impossible.
You just need to find a disguised ESP32 board and unplug it.
Pranking Requires Caution
After watching this prank, many netizens quickly expressed: I have already thought of partners who can be pranked 
.
Of course, the programmer also advised everyone while playing, ensure not to do anything that truly damages the computer, let it remain a “visual joke”.
Some people also expressed that from a technical perspective, this is quite interesting, but some might take it seriously, so this kind of prank is not encouraged.
After all, if you operate the company’s machines like in the second method, what if you end up unemployed?
What do you think~
Reference link:https://hackaday.com/2021/12/30/esp32-pretends-to-be-gpu-gives-you-a-ransomware-scare/
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This article is part of the NetEase News•NetEase Account Special Content Incentive Program signed account 【Quantum Bit】 original content, unauthorized reproduction is prohibited.
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