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Does badusb virus only emulate a keyboard, can it upload any bad program?

DL-4781 0 Reputation points
2025-10-21T05:07:28.9733333+00:00

Hello,

Does the badUSB virus only emulate a keyboard, or can it also upload malicious programs? For example, can a device infected with badUSB upload a trojan instead of just executing a few fake keystrokes?

Will a badUSB device always appear in Device Manager as a Human Interface Device?

Thanks.

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Security and privacy
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  1. Randy Baroja 13,990 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2025-10-21T05:42:46.2166667+00:00

    Hi,

    BadUSB isn’t a regular virus but a firmware-level attack that lets a USB device disguise itself as something else, like a keyboard, storage drive, or network adapter. While many examples show it typing malicious commands automatically, it can also trick your computer into downloading or running harmful software, so it’s not limited to fake keystrokes. It won’t always appear in Device Manager as a Human Interface Device, it depends on what it’s pretending to be. To stay safe, avoid plugging in unknown or free USB drives, and use trusted, brand-name devices only. Have you recently connected any USB drives you’re unsure about?

    Kind regards,

    1 person found this answer helpful.

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