Beware of your USB-C cable: it's becoming cybercriminals' favorite tool according to a new study - 3DVF

USB-C cables have become essential in our daily lives. They connect our devices, recharge our batteries, and transfer our data. But did you know that a simple cable can now be a formidable weapon? Indeed, recent studies highlight a growing danger: cybercriminals exploit these cables to spy, hack, and steal sensitive data. A very real threat.

In a world where protection technologies are strengthening, hackers innovate and exploit unexpected flaws in everyday objects. USB-C cables no longer just transport data: modified models can carry malicious components, invisible to the naked eye, to bypass traditional security devices.

The principle is simple and insidious: these cables infiltrate connected devices, whether smartphones, computers, or tablets, to inject malicious software or steal confidential information. But how can such technology fit into such an innocuous object?

To illustrate this risk, let’s take the example of the famous O.MG Cable. This cable, produced for cybersecurity training purposes, shows how pirates can hide complex devices in everyday objects. At first glance, the O.MG Cable looks like any other USB-C cable. Yet, it is capable of:

These capabilities demonstrate the extent of possibilities for hackers. And this is just one of many examples of tools used in these types of attacks.

Public charging stations, often seen as convenient, become prime targets. Imagine plugging your phone into an unknown station with a pre-installed USB-C cable… In a few moments, your files, passwords, or even your banking information could be stolen. A few seconds are enough!

This is why cybersecurity experts call for increased vigilance. Avoid using borrowed or provided cables in public places. The apparent ordinary nature of these objects heightens their danger.

As digital devices synchronize in our lives, tools like booby-trapped USB-C cables could become more common among cybercriminals. This scenario raises questions: should we rethink our habits? Should we be more cautious and invest in “secure” labeled equipment?

In this context, the best shield remains vigilance. Recognizing that a simple object like a cable can become a weapon is a crucial first step to protect your data and devices.

Sources :

https://bgr.com/tech/iphone-charging-cable-hack-will-make-you-think-twice-about-buying-third-party-accessories/

https://www.forbes.com/sites/daveywinder/2025/01/14/apple-iphone-usb-c-hacked-what-you-need-to-know/