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Yes, 

cellphone charging cords can be “hackable” if they are specifically designed with malicious components or if a standard cord is used with a compromised charging port or device. This type of threat is primarily known as “juice jacking” or involves the use of specialized “evil USB” cables. 

How Cords/Ports Can Be Compromised

• Malicious Cables: Hackers can implant tiny chips inside seemingly normal charging cables (like the “O.MG Cable” used in security research) that allow them to remotely access and control a connected device, steal data, or install malware. These cables can be physically indistinguishable from standard ones.
• Compromised Public Ports (Juice Jacking): A more common concern involves standard, non-malicious charging cords used in public USB charging stations (e.g., in airports, hotels, or coffee shops) that have been tampered with. The charging port itself may contain a hidden computer or skimmer device designed to initiate a data transfer when a phone is plugged in, without the user’s knowledge (though modern phones have safeguards like permission prompts). 

Risks

Once a connection is established, an attacker could potentially:

• Steal personal data, passwords, and banking information.
• Install malware or viruses on your device.
• Lock you out of your phone.
• Monitor your activity or track your location. 

How to Protect Yourself

• Avoid Public USB Ports: The safest practice is to avoid using public USB charging stations altogether.
• Use a Wall Outlet: Always opt for a standard AC wall outlet using your own personal power adapter (the cube part that plugs into the wall).
• Use Your Own Trusted Cable: Never borrow a charging cable from a stranger or use one left in a public place. Use only cables purchased from trustworthy, authoritative retailers.
• Use a Data Blocker: Consider purchasing a USB data blocker (also called a “USB condom”). This small adapter sits between your charging cable and the public USB port, physically cutting off the data pins and allowing only power to flow through.
• Carry a Portable Charger: Using a portable power bank is a highly recommended and safe way to charge your device on the go.
• Stay Updated: Keep your phone’s operating system and apps updated, as manufacturers often release security patches that help mitigate such threats. 

Yes, a cellphone charging cord can be 

hackable, either by being part of a “juice jacking” attack using compromised public USB ports, or if it is a specially modified malicious cable, such as an O.MG cable, that has an implant hidden inside the connector. 

Risks of Hackable Cables and Ports

• Juice Jacking: This attack involves a hacker compromising a public USB charging station (e.g., in airports, hotels) by installing a skimming device or malware. When you plug your device into the compromised port with a standard USB cable, the malicious software can be transferred to your phone or data can be stolen without your knowledge.
• Malicious Cables (e.g., O.MG Cable): These are standard-looking charging cables that have a tiny, hidden implant inside one of the USB connectors. This implant allows a remote attacker to gain access to the connected device, potentially by emulating a keyboard and injecting malicious keystrokes to steal data or install malware. These are real products used by cybersecurity professionals for testing and training. 

How to Protect Yourself

• Avoid Public USB Ports: The safest way to charge your phone in public is to use a personal AC power adapter that plugs into a standard wall outlet, or a portable power bank, completely bypassing public USB ports.
• Use Data Blockers: You can purchase a USB data blocker (sometimes called a “charge-only adapter”). This small device fits onto the end of your charging cable and physically blocks the data pins, allowing only power to flow through, thus preventing any data transfer.
• Be Cautious with Borrowed Cables: Avoid using cables found in public places or borrowed from strangers, as they might be malicious.
• Use Charge-Only Cables: Specific charge-only USB cables are available that do not have the data transfer pins connected internally.
• Grant Permissions Carefully: Modern Android and iOS devices have security features that prompt you to grant permission before a connected device can access data. Always decline data access permissions if you only intend to charge your device.