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    DARPA’s latest project funded a hacking device disguised as a power strip

    By | Today in Tech – Mon, Jul 23, 2012

    The Power Pwn is a multi-function master for more than $1,000

    The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, better known as DARPA, funded the creation of a new gadget that looks to be the Swiss army knife of hacking. Disguised as a mundane power strip, the device houses bluetooth and wifi radios, as well as other remote access tools. It can also be controlled by text messages through its "text-to-bash" feature.

    The device is technically a "fully-integrated enterprise-class penetration testing platform" called the Power Pwn. It's sold by Pwnie Express (who says hackers don't have a sense of humor?) and can be pre-ordered for $1,295. Pwnie Express said its clients -- mostly from the federal government or corporations -- use the device for fast and thorough tests of their network security.

    DARPA has a reputation for funding wild and weird research ideas. Some of them turn futuristic ideas into reality, while others pit scientists head to head to build the best flying robot.

    [via BoingBoing]

    This article was written by Anna Washenko and originally appeared on Tecca

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