Mouse motion simulators pose potential cyberthreat risk

Kaspersky experts have identified a potential cyberthreat vector associated with mouse motion simulators, which could impact remote workers and their employers.

Mouse motion simulators, commonly known as mouse jigglers, have become increasingly popular with the rise of hybrid and remote work formats. These devices simulate mouse movement to keep computers from entering sleep mode and maintain online status indicators in corporate messengers. However, they could also introduce malware into systems if obtained from unknown sources or vendors, thereby posing a significant security threat to users and organizations.

In 2024, Kaspersky detected and blocked 3 billion local threats globally, with 493 million incidents occurring in Asia. These statistics include malware transmission via removable USB drives and other media, highlighting the risk associated with such devices.

Marc Rivero, Lead Security Researcher at Kaspersky, stated, "USB mouse simulators and similar devices could become an entry point for cybercriminals who can use them to gain access to confidential information or disrupt the operation of corporate digital systems."

He advised users to be cautious when connecting unknown USB devices to corporate computers and stressed the importance of regular cybersecurity training for employees. Rivero added, "It's also of vital importance to have reliable endpoint protection on corporate devices that can detect and neutralize suspicious activity. These measures will help protect the company from possible attacks and maintain data security."

Kaspersky has provided several recommendations for mitigating local threats, including those from USB devices. For businesses, it suggests using solutions from the Kaspersky Next product line that offer real-time protection from online and offline threats, suitable for organizations of any size and industry. They also recommend enhancing employees' digital literacy through comprehensive cyber training tools.

For individuals, Kaspersky advises using comprehensive security solutions, such as Kaspersky Premium, to scan connected devices and prevent malware intrusions. Moreover, it is suggested that one should only use USB accessories produced by well-known brands to ensure device security.

Kaspersky is a global cybersecurity and digital privacy company founded in 1997. With over a billion devices protected to date from emerging cyberthreats and targeted attacks, Kaspersky's threat intelligence and security expertise transforms into solutions and services to protect businesses, critical infrastructure, governments and consumers around the globe. The company's security portfolio includes endpoint protection, specialized security products and services, as well as Cyber Immune solutions to fight sophisticated and evolving digital threats.