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Basic Setup of the Cyber NOW BADUSB

  • Sep 26
  • 3 min read

Cyber NOW USB Microcontroller ATMEGA32U4 Development Board Virtual Keyboard for Arduino Leonardo


  1. Install Arduino IDE and add support for Leonardo boards

  2. Connect the Beetle via USB - it should appear as a COM port

  3. Select the board in Arduino IDE (Arduino Leonardo or similar)




Programming

The BadUSB uses the same programming approach as Arduino Leonardo:

arduino

#include "Keyboard.h"

void setup() {
  Keyboard.begin();
  delay(2000); // Wait 2 seconds before starting
  
  // Example: Open Run dialog and launch notepad
  Keyboard.press(KEY_LEFT_GUI);
  Keyboard.press('r');
  Keyboard.releaseAll();
  delay(500);
  
  Keyboard.print("notepad");
  Keyboard.press(KEY_RETURN);
  Keyboard.release(KEY_RETURN);
}

void loop() {
  // Main code runs repeatedly
}

Key Libraries

  • Keyboard.h - For keyboard emulation

  • Mouse.h - For mouse emulation


Important Notes

  • Only use for authorized testing - Using this on systems you don't own or without permission is illegal

  • Antivirus detection - Many security tools will flag BadUSB devices

  • Educational/research purposes - Great for learning about USB security vulnerabilities



Step 1: Hardware Preparation

  1. Unbox your BadUSB  

  2. Have a USB cable ready (usually micro-USB to USB-A, depending on your model)

Step 2: Install Arduino IDE

  1. Download Arduino IDE from arduino.cc (free)

  2. Install the software following the standard installation process

  3. Launch Arduino IDE after installation completes


Step 3: Configure Arduino IDE

  1. Go to File → Preferences

  2. Add board manager URL (if needed for your specific Beetle variant)

  3. Go to Tools → Board → Boards Manager

  4. Search for "Leonardo" and install Arduino AVR Boards if not already installed

  5. Select your board: Tools → Board → Arduino Leonardo (or similar ATmega32U4 board)


Step 4: Connect the Device

  1. Plug the BadUSB into your computer via USB

  2. Wait for driver installation (Windows may install drivers automatically)

  3. Check Device Manager (Windows) or System Information (Mac) to confirm it's detected

  4. Select the correct port: Tools → Port → [Your COM port]


Step 5: Test Basic Functionality

  1. Create a new sketch in Arduino IDE

  2. Copy this simple test code:

arduino

#include "Keyboard.h"

void setup() {
  // Initialize keyboard emulation
  Keyboard.begin();
  
  // Wait 5 seconds before executing
  delay(5000);
  
  // Type "Hello World"
  Keyboard.print("Hello World");
}

void loop() {
  // Empty - runs once
}
  1. Upload the sketch: Click the upload button (arrow icon)

  2. Wait for upload completion


Step 6: Test the Program

  1. Open a text editor (Notepad, TextEdit, etc.)

  2. Unplug and replug the Beetle

  3. Wait 5 seconds - it should automatically type "Hello World"

  4. If successful, you're ready for more advanced programming


Step 7: More Advanced Example

Here's a more practical example that opens a command prompt:

arduino

#include "Keyboard.h"

void setup() {
  Keyboard.begin();
  delay(2000); // Wait for system to recognize device
  
  // Open Run dialog (Windows Key + R)
  Keyboard.press(KEY_LEFT_GUI);
  Keyboard.press('r');
  Keyboard.releaseAll();
  delay(500);
  
  // Type "cmd" and press Enter
  Keyboard.print("cmd");
  Keyboard.press(KEY_RETURN);
  Keyboard.release(KEY_RETURN);
  delay(1000);
  
  // Type a command
  Keyboard.print("echo BadUSB Test Complete");
  Keyboard.press(KEY_RETURN);
  Keyboard.release(KEY_RETURN);
}

void loop() {
  // Empty
}

Step 8: Programming Tips

  • Always include delays - gives the system time to respond

  • Use Keyboard.releaseAll() to avoid stuck keys

  • Test on your own systems first

  • Start with simple commands before complex payloads


Important Legal and Ethical Notes

  • Only use on systems you own or have explicit permission to test

  • Many antivirus programs will detect and block BadUSB devices

  • This is for educational, research, and authorized penetration testing only

  • Unauthorized use is illegal and unethical


Troubleshooting

  • Device not recognized: Try different USB ports, check drivers

  • Upload fails: Ensure correct board and port are selected

  • Code doesn't execute: Check for syntax errors, verify delays

  • Antivirus blocks it: Expected behavior - whitelist for testing if needed

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