OMG cable: learn how a simple device can take control of your phone.

Anyone who has bought a phone must have received an OTG cable along with it. OMG cables look almost identical to OTG cables with a little catch to them. OMG stands for the common texting acronym "Oh my God!". Its common use case is to transfer data and connect your phone to the PC, but hackers have exploited this use case to remotely access your device and sensitive files through it. We have the habit of assuming that such cables are potentially harmless as we connect our devices to them.

The OMG cable appears to be like any other USB cable, but when plugged into your computer or phone, it allows a potential hacker to remotely control your data. When someone plugs in the O.MG. cable, it creates an access point over Wi-Fi. This wifi transmitter is identical to those that are present in iPhones, Androids, or other Wi-Fi-enabled devices.

The O.MG cable can then transfer payloads and detect keystrokes on traditional operating systems, smartphones, and tablets, enabling remote monitoring of usernames, passwords, and other inputs from more than kilometers away. Hackers use these cables to access your data through a smartphone app. Your computer may not even recognize that it has been hacked or even issue a warning. This can be used to intercept and decode messages, inject malicious code into devices, track your movements around the world, or even take over your device completely by activating the webcam.

Another version of this tool can also act as a keylogger device. This can be used to secretly record keystrokes. Criminals frequently use keyloggers to steal sensitive information such as passwords or credit card numbers.

The keylogger cable is typically inserted between a keyboard and a computer. It then logs every keystroke typed into the keyboard. Keylogger cables are inexpensive and simple to use, making them an attractive choice for both lawbreakers and white-hat hackers. White hat hackers often use this method to point out cybersecurity flaws in companies.

So what can you do to be safe from OMG cables?

It's often an arduous task to distinguish an OMG cable from a normal one. Some of these can then be identical clones of the original charger. Here are some quick tips suggested by our cyber security experts, that you can follow to make sure you are safe during the OMG cable hack.

● Always buy your OTG cables (On the Go adapters) from authorized stores and recognized brands.

● Remember to regularly check your phone for signs of hacking.

● Check the cable for any unusual bulges or size differences.

● Enable two-factor authentication for extra security.

● If the cable isn't yours, don't use it. You should never use a random cable.

● Invest in good antivirus software.