Security researcher Mike Grover has modified a USB cable to accept remote commands. The commands can be relayed via a nearby smartphone or even over wi-fi. He plans to put these cables on the market soon. For charging, an adapter with the data connctions severed or removed, known as a "USB condom", is a good idea.
On Sunday, the security researcher Mike Grover demonstrated the threat by creating a malicious USB cable that can receive commands from a nearby smartphone and then execute them over the PC it's been plugged into.
His USB-to-Lightning cable looks pretty generic, but Grover actually fitted a Wi-Fi chip inside one of the sockets. Unsuspecting users will think they've plugged a simple cord into their PC. But in reality, the computer will actually detect the cable as a Human Interface Device akin to a mouse or keyboard.
(Score: 2) by Kalas on Saturday February 16 2019, @08:03PM
Well I can't speak for a USB condom but in my experience putting a condom over your ethernet cord before inserting it is 100% effective in preventing malware infections from the internet.