Logi Bolt USB-A dongle from Logitech

Logitech and security

Logitech is best known for its products aimed at consumers, individuals, and businesses, taking privacy seriously. It is launching a range of mice and keyboards for this purpose and a new Logi Bolt USB-A dongle which aims to reduce latency in crowded workplaces and thus considerably increase security. 

How do use these accessories?

These add-ons can securely connect to computer systems and cellular gadgets via Bluetooth Low Energy - no dongle needed. Although the Bolt USB dongle is also fully Bluetooth-based, it will allow a more stable attachment (protection mode 1, degree 4). Switching to Bluetooth should make the Bolt much less vulnerable to hacking than Logitech's 2.4GHz Unifying receiver, which has become prone to “MouseJack” hacking.

Safety through these products

In Logitech's white paper for the Bolt, it is stated that Protection Mode 1, degree four uses Elliptic Curve Diffie-Hellman P-256 (ECDH) and AES-CCM encryption. The company says these measures ensure that "a Logi Bolt Wi-Fi product and it's Logi Bolt receiver can more easily talk to each other." Logitech goes so far as to ensure that its direct Bolt Wi-Fi connections comply with Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS). These are the requirements created by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) for use in the federal government. If you are curious about Bluetooth protection, NIST has written a manual on it.

The connection is stronger

Logitech claims its USB Bolt dongle also offers a more powerful connection, up to 10 meters, even if you're in a cluttered painting environment. A Bolt dongle can attach up to 6 add-ons to your computer. It is well suited for a few working systems, as well as Windows, macOS, iOS, iPadOS, Linux, Chrome OS, and Android.

The price of Bolt USB-A

Logitech's listing for the Bolt dongle says it's "coming soon" and could cost $ 14.99. But don't assume your contemporary Logitech add-ons to paintings use it. Devices well suited to Logi Bolt might have a Bolt mark on their underside, per Logitech's FAQ.

When will these products appear?

The first add-ons offering enhanced protection via Bluetooth LE and including the USB Bolt dongle will be released in September, according to ZDNet. The first range consists of the MX Master for Business series from Logitech, which consists of an MX Master Three and MX Keys. There are also web pages for commercial variants of the Logitech Ergo K860 Cutout Keyboard, MX Anywhere 3, and Ergo M575 wi-fi trackball mouse.