Within the ever-evolving world of cybersecurity, the Rubber Ducky stands out as a significant tool, finding use among ethical hackers as well as less scrupulous actors.

However, don’t be misled by its name! We’re not talking about that cute yellow bath toy you might be picturing, we’re talking about a very sneaky and versatile hacking device.

You might have been told (and we hope so!) that plugging unknown USB sticks into your computer can lead to potential security risks as they may contain malicious software and scripts that could infect your system or even worse, compromise your company’s network.

When plugged into a computer, the Rubber Ducky very rapidly inputs keystrokes based on a script that the user has programmed. These scripts can be customized to perform a wide range of actions, such as injecting and downloading malicious code, automating tasks, or conducting security assessments. This ability to mimic a keyboard (HID - Human Interface Device) allows it to bypass many security measures and makes it a fearsome tool.

The O.MG Cable: A New Level of Cyber Threat 

Disguised as a simple USB power cable, the type you would plug into your phone or keyboard, the “OMG cable” is ridiculously dangerous and versatile.

Much like its cousin, the Rubber Ducky, the OMG Cable is capable of executing scripted actions. However, it takes the game of stealth and control several notches higher by housing a Wi-Fi chip. This innovative addition grants full remote management, control, and data exfiltration capabilities to the cable. By connecting to the Wi-Fi network generated by the cable, malicious actors can upload new scripts, gaining access to all data stored on the cable, making it an exemplary tool for keylogging, among other nefarious activities.

Shielding Ourselves

• Don’t ever plug any USB stick that is not yours and which is unknown to you.
• Beware of any cable/charging port that is publicly available. Nowadays many airports and public spaces have specific areas for people to charge their smartphones or laptops: carrying personal charging equipment can significantly mitigate the risks posed by these seemingly benign public amenities.
• USB Data Blockers are another very effective way to protect yourself from these threats. You can plug one between your computer and a cable you don’t trust and by acting as a buffer between your computer and a dubious cable, these blockers permit only power transmission, thwarting any attempt at data reading or writing operations from the cable or the connected device. In a digital age where cyber threats continually evolve, embracing a proactive stance in personal and organizational cybersecurity is not just sensible, it's imperative.

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