Cables USB-C are everywhere now, especially since the European Union decided to standardize them for charging and connecting our devices. But be careful, it didn't escape the hackers either! A recent study of the site Lumafield reveals that these cables, which we use every day without thinking much about it, could well hide unsuspected dangers. So how can such mundane objects be misused for bad intentions? This is what we will see.
What does a USB-C cable really hide?
They are practical, fast for transferring data or recharging our electronic gadgets. No wonder everyone has adopted USB-C cables! But this popularity is a boon for hackers who use it to slip malicious material into your devices, at home or at work. The problem is that we are not wary enough of these very common accessories.
The detailed study of Lumafieldwho used X-rays (like a doctor's!) to examine these cables from every angle, shows significant differences depending on the model. For example, the cableApple has 129 dollars is significantly more sophisticated inside than a basic model ofAmazon Basics only 11,69 dollars. So, choosing your accessories carefully becomes super important!
The astonishing O.MG Cable: when danger hides where you least expect it
Among the worrying findings of this study is the famous O.MG Cabledesigned by Mike Grover, a security expert. This cable looks like any other USB-C cable but actually hides a microprocessor, an antenna and a circuit designed to launch malware. It can run sneaky scripts, record what you type on your keyboard, and sneak into your secure systems.
And that's not all: it can even connect to a network to discreetly send stolen information! For the moment, its manufacturing cost remains high and therefore not easily accessible to the general public. But it still represents a serious threat to individuals as well as to businesses and critical infrastructure.
How to avoid falling into the trap?
With these new threats on the radar, it's super important to be vigilant about how we use our USB-C cables. The main advice is simple: avoid using those found in public places or made available in shared spaces (you never know what might be hiding there).
Although mass-producing cables like the O.MG Cable are expensive today, Lumafield warns that “the O.MG Cable illustrates the ease with which malicious material can be introduced.” Imagine if their production became profitable…
And tomorrow?
These discoveries around USB-C cables should encourage us to stay on our guard when it comes to the technological accessories we use every day. With technology constantly evolving (and quickly!), you must not only stay informed but also adopt rigorous security practices to protect your personal and professional information against possible cyberattacks. In our ultra-connected world, prevention is better than cure in the face of new digital threats.
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