Using borrowed chargers and USB cables: is this a safe habit?

Electronic devices such as smartphones, tablets, and computers are increasingly part of our daily lives, and it’s almost impossible to go anywhere without taking at least one of them with us. However, we need to be careful about what we connect to our devices.

Just as you wouldn’t share a toothbrush because it’s intimate and personal, you should also be cautious when lending or borrowing a cable from a colleague. After all, a simple action like this can end up giving criminals access to your personal data and may even infect your devices with malware.

How do criminals manage to break into devices through cables?

There is already a type of cable known as the OMG Cable, often referred to as “the most dangerous USB cable in the world.” It was launched in 2019 by a security researcher, and its initial purpose was to test companies’ digital defenses.

This became possible with the arrival of USB-C cables, which have a higher capacity for transferring both power and data.
Although these cables look completely normal, they can actually be disguised mini-computers capable of capturing keystrokes, extracting data, stealing credentials, and installing malware. And to cause all this damage, all it takes is connecting it to a device.

Even though the OMG Cable was created for a different purpose, criminals today can easily tamper with USB-C charging cables and USB ports. This means you may end up buying or borrowing a compromised cable if you don’t take the necessary precautions.

This makes the situation even more dangerous, as connecting your device to an unknown cable can put both your data and your device’s security at risk.

And it doesn’t stop there…

Criminals can also tamper with USB ports in public charging stations found in airports, cafés, and bus stations. As a result, they can access your device’s information while it’s charging, since USB ports allow data transfer and can work as an open path for communication.

If you use a compromised USB cable or port, your passwords, photos, contacts, messages, documents, and other personal data may be stolen. You may also face other risks, such as:

Device malfunction

Your device may be infected with malware that steals your information, locks your device, or even causes physical damage to the system.

High battery and data consumption

Your device may become infected with a virus that drains your battery, internet, and other resources, affecting performance and overall device quality.

Remote access by criminals

Through malware, criminals can remotely control your device. In such cases, scammers may make calls, send messages, or access your camera without your consent.

Best practices for safely charging your device

Now that you know the risks of sharing chargers or using USB charging stations, here’s what you can do to protect yourself:

Avoid borrowing cables

Whenever possible, avoid borrowing cables from others to charge your devices. You never know when a cable may have been tampered with, so choose safer charging alternatives.

Avoid using public USB ports

Try to avoid USB ports in public places like airports, bus terminals, cafés, and shopping malls. If you must use them, keep your device turned off while charging.

Invest in portable chargers

Portable chargers, or power banks, are a valuable investment in terms of both safety and convenience. They come in various price ranges and battery capacities.

Use original or trustworthy chargers

Always prefer original chargers provided by your device manufacturer or reliable third-party brands. Although they may cost more, they undergo strict safety testing and are less likely to pose digital security risks.

And remember: when it comes to digital security, prevention is always better than cure!