When you’re asked what age we’re in, you’d likely say we are in the digital age – an age where our devices have become extensions of ourselves. With the integration of electronic devices into our daily lives, new threats are springing up, exploiting our need to stay connected: the O.MG cable being one of the threats.

You might have seen the broadcast message being passed around on WhatsApp, especially, about a threat that comes from the use of a cable that gives access to the data on your device. The message talks about how a cable was used to copy phone data and record passwords. Well, this charging cable harbours a sinister secret, capable of compromising your digital security just by plugging it into your device.

What is an O.MG Cable?

An O.MG cable, short for “Oh My God” cable, is a malicious device disguised as a standard USB charging cable. Developed by security researcher “MG” in 2019, these cables look exactly like the regular USB cables that come with smart phones and tablets.

How Does It Work?

The genius—and danger—of the O.MG cable lies in its simplicity. A tiny WiFi transmitter and a memory chip are hidden inside the cable, so, when the cable is plugged to a device, it creates a Wi-Fi hotspot, allowing a nearby hacker to:

1. Access the device remotely.
2. Run commands as if they were using the device themselves.
3. Capture passwords and sensitive data by recording what you type.
4. Transfer harmful programs to the connected device.
5. Monitor online activities, including your use of financial apps like your bank app.

To make this even more difficult to detect, the bad actor can access this information from far away.

What makes O.MG cables particularly dangerous is their harmless appearance. You might pick up from anywhere, borrow one from a coworker, or even receive one as a “free gift”.

How to protect yourself

To protect yourself against O.MG cable attacks, I would advise the following:

1. Never use charging cables from unknown sources
2. Avoid using public charging hubs, like roadside charging stations and USB ports in public transport.
3. If you don’t know the source of the USB, don’t use it.
4. Educate yourself and others about this threat.
5. Install and update the antivirus and malware protection software on your device.

Read also: 10 things to look for when buying a laptop: A Detailed Guide

There are several ingenious ways created daily by bad actors to penetrate the digital space of unsuspecting people. These ways are difficult to keep track of, and just as security companies are devising ways to protect people, these bad actors are also creating ways to be smarter. You just have to keep yourself informed and safe.

By understanding the risks evolving in the digital space, and taking proactive steps, you can protect yourself from this clever but dangerous cybersecurity threat. Remember, when it comes to charging cables, it’s better to have a dead device than a hacked device.