3D printed laser chip-hacking device uses $20 laser pointer; costs $500 to build

A new 3D printed device called RayV Lite, developed by hackers Sam Beaumont and Larry "Patch" Trowell from NetSPI, aims to make laser hacking more accessible. This device, which costs approximately $500 to build using off-the-shelf components, including a $20 laser pointer and a Raspberry Pi, will be showcased at the Black Hat cybersecurity conference. The RayV Lite utilizes a technique known as laser fault injection, which targets and disrupts the operation of microchips by knocking electrons out of place with a precisely timed laser blast. This method can potentially bypass hardware security measures, allowing unauthorized access to sensitive chip functionalities. The creators hope that by demonstrating the feasibility of such attacks at a lower cost, they will encourage hardware manufacturers to enhance security against these vulnerabilities. In tests, the device successfully glitched an automotive chip and compromised cryptocurrency wallets by bypassing PIN protections. Future versions of the tool may incorporate more advanced techniques, such as laser logic state imaging, to further explore chip vulnerabilities. While the device raises security concerns, it also aims to foster a better understanding of chip architecture among hobbyists and researchers.

- The RayV Lite device makes laser hacking accessible for DIY enthusiasts.

- It costs around $500 to build and uses common components.

- The device employs laser fault injection to exploit chip vulnerabilities.

- Successful tests have shown it can bypass security measures in automotive chips and cryptocurrency wallets.

- Future versions may utilize advanced techniques for deeper chip analysis.