USB-C cables have long been standard in the tech world. But as a recent study shows, they are also a growing security risk. Hackers prepare the universal cables with hidden hardware to steal data or manipulate devices.
Why are USB-C cables a popular weapon for hackers? USB-C has become the standard due to its versatility and speed. Whether smartphone, laptop or game console – almost every modern device uses this connection. But it is precisely this universal distribution that makes it the perfect target for hackers.
According to reports from TechSpot and The Verge, USB-C cables can be manipulated to look like regular charging or data cables, but are actually equipped with problematic hardware. When connected, these cables can plug into devices, transmit malware or even simulate keyboard input. What’s particularly alarming is that the changes are so well hidden that they cannot be seen with the naked eye.
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How does the manipulation work? The so-called O.MG cables, which were first introduced in 2019 at security conferences such as DEFCON (one of the world’s largest events for hackers), are at first glance almost indistinguishable from ordinary USB cables (via MG.lol). But hidden inside is sophisticated technology.
As soon as such a cable is connected to a device, sensitive information such as passwords or bank details can be read. In addition, malware can be installed on the system unnoticed and remains active in the background.
A test by Golem.de showed that the manipulation of the cables is so perfect that it is difficult to detect even for experts. The technology is now so sophisticated that no external differences to conventional cables are visible.
A CT scan shows what’s hidden inside
What makes the cable so dangerous? Hackers primarily exploit users’ inattention. USB-C cables are often shared between colleagues, friends or even at public charging stations. This increases the likelihood that a manipulated cable will come into your own possession or be used for conventional data transfer.
A study by Lumafield, which used CT scans to analyze the internal structure of O.MG cables, confirmed that the malicious hardware is extremely compact and invisible from the outside. This makes them a real “invisible threat”.
What they discovered was that the prepared cables contained hidden microcontrollers, antennas and memory devices. These components are so small and well installed that they are invisible to the naked eye.
To put it simply, the microcontroller controls actions such as introducing malware, the memory stores or transmits data, and the antenna allows hackers to wirelessly control the cable remotely.
How can you protect yourself? To protect themselves from attacks caused by manipulated USB-C cables, users should take a few important measures into account:
A USB data blocker, often called a “USB condom,” is a small adapter that plugs between the USB cable and the device. It blocks the data lines of the cable so that only power is transmitted. This prevents data from being transmitted or manipulated unnoticed – ideal for secure charging at public stations.
Although the cables examined are currently relatively expensive (100 € upwards) and are therefore rarely in private circulation, it cannot be ruled out that they will become more readily available in the future. Vigilance therefore remains the best protection. If you pay attention to trustworthy sources when buying cables and take appropriate security measures, you can significantly reduce the risk.
USB-C was intended to end the cable chaos, but it often causes frustration: too many differences, broken chargers and hidden problems annoy users worldwide. You can read here why the universal standard is anything but perfect and what you should definitely pay attention to: USB-C as a standard should make everything easier, but now it’s worse than before