On Sun, Jul 09, 2006 at 02:25:12PM +0200, Peter Philipp wrote:
> I know that wireless keyboards have built-in encryption, but do wired
> keyboards or specifically USB keyboards exist that encrypt the typed
> input for the USB bus?
>
> I suspect something like public key encryption on the keyboard which choses a
> random key for the key-input and exchanges it securely with the
> operating system. Does it exist?
The most sensible implementation of what you want is a laptop + ssh, I
suppose.
I am not aware of any keyboard of the sort you describe, nor do I see
the use of such a thing. Seriously, what are you trying to protect
against? Hardware keyloggers?
> I'm currently using a macally USB keyboard (for macs) on both my amd64
> and macppc (unplugging it / plugging it when I change computers), and
> it feels great on the hands/fingers but the USB communication isn't
> encrypted I suspect.
>
> The keyboards case is seethrough and I can see the circuits to the keys, as
> well as the built-in USB hub. Has anyone ever opened one of these and
> modded the keyboard to change the mapping of the keys? Is easily done?
It should be possible, but it's not necessarily easy. Again, is there a
point? Just map it something exotic in software (kbd(8) might help) if
that's what you want, no need to do in hardware what can be done in
software.
Joachim
