Hacknect: A Wireless Automation Platform Inside a USB Cable

If you are involved in the world of embedded hardware and digital security, then you know that opportunities for hacking are everywhere — not just in your home lab where all of your tools are at your disposal. When you’re in the field, a forgotten gadget or missing adapter can turn a promising discovery into a missed chance. That’s why portable multi-tool devices have become essential for engineers, makers, and security researchers.

These tiny devices can be slipped into a pocket for debugging a microcontroller, cloning an access card, or probing a suspicious signal whenever the need arises. However, not everyone is excited about carrying around bare circuit boards that raise eyebrows and guarantee a pat-down from airport security. Hacknect is a Wi-Fi-enabled hacking and automation cable that was designed specifically for these people.

Hacknect looks indistinguishable from an ordinary USB cable, but hidden inside is an ESP32-S3 microcontroller that transforms it into a compact wireless automation platform. The project combines HID keystroke injection, mouse automation, payload deployment, storage, and browser-based remote control into a single stealthy device that can ride unnoticed in a backpack or laptop sleeve.

Users can connect to the device over Wi-Fi from a smartphone, tablet, or laptop and trigger automation scripts or payloads through a built-in web dashboard. From the dashboard’s control panel, users can launch HID commands, manage multiple payload slots, monitor device status, and execute wireless actions with a single click. No software installation is required, making the platform accessible even on locked-down systems where installing applications is not an option.

Storage is handled by a microSD card that slides directly into Hacknect’s USB-A connector. Once inserted, that same connector fits perfectly into a standard USB port. This creates a combined storage and automation tool that can carry scripts and payloads internally. Additional features include self-destruct functionality for wiping sensitive data, Wi-Fi-triggered actions, and support for open-source firmware modifications.

The developers ultimately plan to release firmware source code, documentation, demo projects, and example automation scripts so the community can expand the platform’s capabilities.

Hacknect is now available on Kickstarter with rewards starting at $76. The first shipments are expected to go out in August 2026.