Are there any technical security issues when working with serial ports?
A computer’s serial port uses voltages that can seriously damage any unsuitable device. The 9 or 25 pin connector is also used for other types of interfaces that are not necessarily serial. If you are unsure whether an interface is a serial one, do not attempt to attach to it. A device, called a breakout box, can be used to safely determine whether an interface is a serial one or not. It is also possible to use a meter to measure the pins of the device to verify that the device is in fact using ± 12 volts on the DTR and RTS lines of the port. Additionally, the purpose of the port may be indicated in the device’s documentation. The line status indicators (LEDs) of this software do not qualify this software as a breakout box. When the output signals are low or in their inactive state, the output voltage is NEGATIVE (-) 12 VOLTS, which is a very dangerous voltage to test with.
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