TECHNOLOGY LICENSING OPPORTUNITY: Automatic Peripheral Device Disconnection

Summary (Newest Update)

Background The Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) has developed a deployable capability for automatic USB control in secure computing environments to mitigate privacy and security risks posed by webcams and similar USB peripherals. These devices can remain powered and exposed in high-security and classified environments, leading to potential unintended surveillance or exploitation. The goal of this contract is to provide a hardware-based solution that automatically disconnects USB devices when they are no longer in use, enhancing security in sensitive operational settings. Work Details The contract involves the delivery of a compact hardware device that automatically disconnects USB peripherals based on real-time power draw monitoring. Key features include: - Automatic disconnection of USB webcams and peripherals without user input. - Real-time adaptation to different devices using a dynamic cutoff threshold. - Onboard hysteresis filtering to prevent false disconnects. - A hardware-level status indicator that is immune to software tampering. - Elimination of reliance on operating system permissions or manual disconnections. - Functionality as a standalone drop-in device with no software dependencies. The technology is currently at Technology Readiness Level 5 and is patent pending (LA-UR-25-28988). Place of Performance The technology is intended for use in high-security environments, including government and defense workstations, critical infrastructure facilities, telehealth systems, enterprise IT environments, and other secure computing locations.