Forget the days of bulky hacking tools. Enter the O.MG cable: an unassuming charger that hides a powerful secret. In a new YouTube video, ethical hacker Ryan Montgomery recently unveiled this deceptive device, a seemingly ordinary USB cable brimming with hidden capabilities – for good or bad.
Packed with advanced features, this inconspicuous cable exposes the dangers lurking in everyday tech. In his video, Hack ANY Cell Phone – Hacker Shows How Easy It Is To Hack Your Cell Phone, Montgomery unveils the dark potential of this seemingly innocent device. This cable, he reveals, can become a stealthy tool for hackers to steal your sensitive data.
Beyond The Charge: The O.MG Cable’s Deceptive Power
Clutching the unassuming cable, Montgomery highlights its masterful deception: “Without this orange tag, there’s no way to tell it’s not a charger. It’s that flawless.” However, this seemingly ordinary phone charger hides a secret arsenal of functionalities – a fact underscored by the bright orange tag Montgomery uses to differentiate it from its harmless counterparts.
Originally a coveted tool of the NSA, commanding a hefty $20,000 price tag, this cable has now found its way into the hands of independent developers. Montgomery revealed that his friend, MG, manufactures these deceptive devices and sells them for a few hundred dollars apiece. Montgomery, a proud owner of multiple O.MG cables, is eager to showcase their hidden capabilities.
The O.MG Cable’s Deceptive Arsenal
The ordinary-looking O.MG cable is more than just a power cord; it’s a Trojan horse of technology, concealing an arsenal beneath its unassuming exterior. Montgomery demonstrates its deceptive nature: “This is a charger that will work. I can hand this to you and say, ‘hey, here’s my charger man,’ or replace yours, right?” he asked Patrick Bet-David.
The twist? Upon plugging it in, the cable’s true purpose unfolds – a hidden Wi-Fi chip and a miniature computer spring to life. The cable’s internal system, concealed within the plastic casing, can emulate keyboard inputs. “It’s a cable that looks identical to the other cables you already have,” explains MG, the cable’s creator. “But inside each cable, I put an implant that’s got a web server, USB communications, and Wi-Fi access. So it plugs in, powers up, and you can connect to it.”
“This thing emulates a keyboard and can type at 860 characters per second,” Montgomery reveals. This allows the cable to record keystrokes, granting silent access to confidential information.
Designed for penetration testing, these cables raise ethical concerns. Montgomery explains, “You can put this in line between your keyboard and your computer.” This dual-use nature highlights the potential for both good and evil.
Montgomery emphasises these devices are “intended for penetration testers like myself to do the right thing.” Yet, the same technology could be weaponised to secretly record keystrokes, exposing passwords, personal details, and other private data.
What Can It Do? O.MG Cable’s Hidden Powers
“Holding the cable in my hand, there was really nothing to make me suspicious. If someone had offered it as a phone charger, I wouldn’t have had a second thought,” Faife said.
With its Lightning, USB-A, and USB-C connectors, the cable is compatible with various devices, including Windows, macOS, iPhone, and Android. The O.MG Cable’s high price tag of $179.99 positions it as a tool for professional penetration testers rather than a weapon for everyday scammers.
Despite its unassuming appearance, the O.MG cable boasts a surprising array of capabilities. Its features go far beyond simply recording keystrokes. It can actively launch a keystroke injection attack, which alludes to masquerading as a keyboard and feeding malicious commands directly to the target machine.
This opens up multiple attack possibilities, including launching software, downloading malware, or stealing sensitive data like Chrome passwords.
O.MG Cable And Evil Maid Attacks
The O.MG cable isn’t just a passive observer; it’s a stealthy keylogger. When inserted between a keyboard and a computer, it silently records every keystroke, storing up to 650,000 entries in its onboard memory. Your passwords, bank details, and even those cringe-worthy draft tweets are fair game for the cable’s prying eyes.
While the O.MG cable typically requires physical access to a target machine, this isn’t a far-fetched scenario. Real-world “evil maid attacks” can occur in various settings, such as hotel rooms, conference centres, or corporate offices.
Imagine a scenario where a malicious person gains access to your device while you’re away, even temporarily. The O.MG cable could be used to compromise your system, steal sensitive data, or install malware.
O.MG Cable’s Wi-Fi Capabilities
To bypass potential security barriers, the O.MG cable incorporates a Wi-Fi module. This allows it to exfiltrate stolen data directly, circumventing network restrictions and antivirus software. By establishing its own wireless connection, the cable can transmit sensitive information, such as stolen passwords or confidential documents, to a remote server controlled by the attacker.
The O.MG cable’s built-in network interface further amplifies its threat potential. It can bypass traditional network security measures, allowing it to exfiltrate data even from air-gapped systems that are completely isolated from external networks.
This means that even if your device is disconnected from the internet, the cable can still steal your secrets without a trace. MG, the cable creator, mentioned, “I originally made these in my garage, by hand, and it took me four to eight hours per cable.”
Is The Market Ready?
Now, with factory production, the cost has come down significantly. This trend of decreasing costs could make these powerful tools more accessible to a wider range of individuals, including malicious actors.
While the O.MG cable’s capabilities are impressive, most individuals’ likelihood of a random attack remains low. Be wary of what you plug into your devices, even seemingly harmless cables. Here are some additional tips to consider:
1. Physical Security: Maintain control of your devices and avoid leaving them unattended in public places.
2. Software Updates: Keep your operating system and security software up-to-date with the latest patches.
3. Network Awareness: Use caution when connecting to public Wi-Fi networks.
By adopting these practices, you can significantly reduce your risk of being a cyberattack victim, not just those involving the O.MG cable.
