Security researcher MG has developed a lightning cable that can completely take control of your iPhone that looks exactly like a brand new Apple OEM cable. Even the packages cannot be distinguished from a genuine Apple cable.
The cable has built-in wireless and is available remotely via an IP address.
"I’m currently seeing up to 300 feet with a smartphone when connecting directly"
- MG
"But the cable can be configured to act as a client to a nearby wireless network. And if that wireless network has an internet connection, the distance basically becomes unlimited."
- MG
These "O.MG Cables" are available for sale for $200 directly from MG. They are currently manufactured from genuine Apple lightning cables. Hak5 has offered to start manufacturing them avoiding the need and complexity of using Apple genuine cables.
The cables come with pre-built scripts and tools to conduct various attacks and even destroy the implant when you are done.
Apple has been adding more protection to USB access to thwart law enforcement from accessing devices they have in their physical possession without access your pin code.
I make it a point not to use other people's cables (even if I trust them as you never know if they have been compromised unknowingly) or open charging ports at airports.
There is a device I own that will protect you by disabling the data channel on a USB port when I am forced to use a USB port at an airport or an un-trusted charger.
These devices can be bought really cheap and disable the data portion of the USB port. This prevents any type of attack over USB and has the added benefit of speeding up charging when connected to computers. When connected to a computer that doesn't have smart USB charging (most don't), you will charge at a much slower speed when data is enabled.
If you don't have one, always use your own charging block to minimize risk and don't access cables or charging devices from third parties.
As always, be safe!
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