This iPhone lightning cable can hack your PC: Here's how
What's the story
Often, hackers use malicious USB drives to break into a computer and steal files from it. The attack is particularly common, but now, it is not just a USB flash drive you need to worry about. An attacker has created malicious iPhone lightning cable that can compromise any computer it is plugged into, including yours. Here's all about it.
Attack
Hacking into computers with lightning cables
Though it's hard to imagine a USB cable-based hack, the fact is, it is actually possible. Mike Grover, a researcher from Verizon, recently modified a lightning cable's USB connector to include the software/hardware required for breaking into a computer. He says the wire works just like any other USB cable but can remotely be triggered to hack a PC and install malware on it.
Working
The USB is controlled wirelessly
Grover, who goes by MG, says the attack from the cable is triggered by the way of a wireless network interface packed inside its USB connector. Once activated, the attacker can use the cable to drop any malware on the machine, be it one to steal files or to share the screen in real-time. Notably, it can even steal login credentials from the machine.
Availability
Some cables sold, more likely to surface online
The hacking-capable 'O.MG cables' were unveiled at the recent Def con conference, where Grover sold a few them. The researcher now plans to sell more of these cables at online security products store Hak5. Currently, the store shows the cable as out of the stock, but we expect it to appear at a price of around $100.
Bulk hack
Still, this won't work for mass attacks
The development of the modified O.MG cable shows just how easy it is for a malicious actor to break into and compromise your computer. Similar devices have also been developed by security companies like NSO Group to break into iOS and Android phones. However, do note that these devices would only work for targeted attacks, not those carried out in bulk.