What is a Mouse Jiggler?
A mouse jiggler is a tool that keeps a computer active by simulating mouse movement. It stops the screen from going to sleep or showing a screensaver. These devices became more popular with remote work. Early versions used simple tricks, like placing a mouse on a watch or fan to make it move. Now, there are software apps, browser extensions, and small USB devices that do the job. Many USB jigglers use microcontrollers like the ATtiny85 to send fake mouse signals. Some advanced ones can even pretend to be a specific brand of mouse.
Sepio’s managed service team has recently identified an alarming trend: the rise of mouse jigglers across various industries, including healthcare, financial institutions, and law firms. While these devices may seem harmless, just keeping screens active, they pose serious cybersecurity risks. Their use can weaken data protection, break compliance rules, and open the door to threats. Organizations must act now to reduce the risks mouse jigglers bring.
Why Mouse Jigglers are a Security Threat?
- Bypassing Security Controls: Mouse jigglers can bypass key security controls like automatic log-off, which are meant to protect unattended systems. When a jiggler keeps a computer active, it stays logged in, making it easier for someone to access it without permission. This raises the risk of data breaches, phishing, and other cyberattacks.
- Introducing Malicious Code: Mouse jigglers from unknown sources can carry malware, spyware, or other harmful code. Unlike approved hardware, these devices often skip security checks. Once plugged in, they can spread viruses, steal sensitive data, and take advantage of weak spots in web apps or cloud systems. This makes them a serious threat to corporate networks.
- Compliance Violations: Clearly, mouse jigglers violate typical organizational security policies, which prohibit the use of unauthorized devices. However, the concern goes beyond internal policy breaches. For Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) and Data Protection Officers (DPOs), the real risk is the potential for data privacy breaches. Keeping systems active without user oversight increases the risk of social-engineering and unauthorized access to confidential data, which can cause reputational damage and hefty penalties.
Recent News Highlights the Mouse Jigglers Risks
Recent news reports underscore the severity of this threat. For instance, Wells Fargo fired over a dozen employees who used mouse jigglers to simulate active work. This incident was reported to the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), and highlights the potential misuse of these devices and their implications for security awareness and management.
As more companies shift to remote and hybrid work, mouse jiggler use is likely to grow. CISOs need to know that traditional cybersecurity tools, such as Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) and Mobile Device Management (MDM) platforms, may not detect or remediate mouse jigglers programmatically and continuously. These tools focus on malware and unauthorized access, but they often miss hardware that fakes user activity.
Moreover, Sepio’s managed service team has observed a concerning trend. Mouse jigglers are often introduced by subcontractors or temporary employees. In some cases, attackers use social engineering techniques to deploy these devices.
Mitigating the Risk of Mouse Jigglers
To effectively address the threat of mouse jigglers, CISOs should adopt a two-pronged approach:
Mouse Jigglers Awareness and Policy Enforcement
- Educate Users: Clearly communicate the security risks associated with using unauthorized devices, including mouse jigglers. Employees must understand how these devices can lead to data breaches, ransomware attacks, and security risks.
- Enforce Strict Policies: Implement comprehensive security policies that prohibit the use of unauthorized hardware. Regular audits and penetration testing can ensure compliance and identify any compromised systems.
Mouse Jigglers Detection and Remediation
- Utilize a Breakthrough Security Tool: Deploy Sepio’s unique advanced security solution to proactively detect and block unauthorized devices like mouse jigglers. Sepio’s innovative approach, rooted in years of research and development, provides a cost-effective and efficient way to mitigate this threat. With continuous hardware monitoring, organizations can stop rogue devices before they bypass security controls.
Sepio: Your Partner in Hardware Cybersecurity
Sepio is at the forefront of hardware security, offering cutting-edge defense layers to protect your organization. Sepio’s unique capabilities enable CISOs to continuously detect and remediate any threats from any type of hardware asset.
With Sepio’s advanced technology, Asset DNA, CISOs can strengthen their organization’s defenses and protect valuable assets from cyber threats. Sepio’s platform goes beyond traditional software-based approaches, providing a more comprehensive and effective defense against hardware-based threats. Asset DNA helps detect and block unauthorized devices, like mouse jigglers, before they can cause harm.
With Sepio’s unique capabilities, CISOs can enhance their security training and bolster their incident response. These capabilities also help protect valuable assets from data breaches or denial-of-service attacks. By taking a proactive approach to hardware cybersecurity, organizations can stay ahead of evolving threats and build stronger defenses.
Core Features
- See every asset clearly, including IT, OT, IoT, and IoXT devices
- Enforce detailed security policies for each device
- Get insights based on real risk levels
- Easily connect with other security tools
- Use open APIs for smooth integration
Key Benefits
- Full visibility of all devices, without scanning network traffic
- Automatically block rogue devices, like mouse jigglers or unknown network hardware
- Stay protected from insider threats and supply chain attacks
Strengthen Your Network Cybersecurity
Discover how Sepio’s advanced hardware cybersecurity solutions can protect your organization from threats like mouse jigglers. Schedule a demo today to learn more about our innovative defense layers and proactive threat detection.
