A Cable is a Cable, Right? Wrong.
Feeling drained? It happens to the best of us. Our modern-day dependence on devices leaves us all running to look for a charger from time to time. Unfortunately, not all chargers are alike; I am not referring to the differences between an Apple charger and a Samsung. You might be surprised to learn that charging cables can be a gateway to fraud. Keep reading, and I’ll fill you in.
The Ugly
Industrious fraudsters can hide micro-controllers inside ordinary charging devices and cables, and victims are none-the-wiser. With this control, the cable can run scripts, load malware, utilize WiFi, and even self-destruct if it needs to bail before being caught. It even has the ability to lie dormant until it sees an opportunity at hand.
The Bad
Near-undetectable, the potential for damage is high. An unlocked PC with the cable acting as a keyboard cable is easy prey. Even a locked PC isn’t much defense against these types of attacks. If only the hackers used their knowledge for good…
The Good
Widespread use of these devices to target individuals is unlikely – for now. Due to the high cost (we’re talking over $100), it is most probable that those deploying these tactics are targeting large organizations instead.
Prevention is vital when fighting off predators, and hacking is no exception. What can you do to stay safe?
· Carry your own charging cable and fob with you.
· NEVER use public charging stations. The FCC has tips to fight so-called “Juice Jacking” here.
· If you come across a random cable, use caution and refrain from using it. A “free” cable can end up costing you a fortune.
· Invest in a malicious cable detector, an affordable device, to determine if a cable has been breached.
· Pay attention to your surroundings. If something looks different, handle that with suspicion.
· In a business setting (and personally, you can never be too safe), lock your doors, control access, and invest in security cameras and monitoring if possible.
Do you have questions about this post? I want to hear from you. Leave a comment below or email me.
Krista Kyte is a personal finance blogger and personal banker with over 20 years of experience in the financial industry. Krista is passionate about helping our members understand their financial situations. She writes tips that help consumers reach and maintain financial security and start living the life they’ve always wanted.
