The O.MG Cable is a USB cable with a concealed implant, not a charge-only cable. Hak5 says it is intended for authorized red-team exercises, defensive detection testing, teaching, and training—an unusual use case that explains why a security professional might keep one in a toolkit. Its ordinary appearance is precisely why it is worth understanding: a cable can present more than a power connection.
What is an O.MG Cable?
Hak5 describes the O.MG Cable as a handmade USB cable with an advanced implant hidden inside. When dormant, the manufacturer says it behaves like a USB 2.0 cable, supporting data transfer as well as charging. In other words, it is not simply a charging lead with no data capability.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Hak5’s current product page says inactive configurations pass USB 2.0 data at up to 480 Mbps and provide up to 5 V charging, with the active end connected to a USB host. Those are vendor-published specifications, not independent measurements. The page says specifications can change without notice and are based on devices using the latest beta firmware.
Recommended Free Tools
What can it do, and how do its tiers differ?
Hak5 lists keystroke injection and mouse injection across its tiers. Its Elite tier additionally lists a FullSpeed USB hardware keylogger, HIDX StealthLink, and encrypted network command and control (C2). The manufacturer describes the product as a way for red teams to emulate sophisticated adversary scenarios and test new defensive detection opportunities.
#1 Best Overall
- 【Combination set】: More affordable, The data blocker combination kit shown in the main image, which can meet your daily use needs, suitable for any mobile phones and electronic devices with USB A and USB C interfaces.
- 【PROTECT YOUR PHONE / TABLET】 : Think about that Traveling or going out in public areas one time when you needed a charge at an airport but were too scared to get juice jacked. That is why we brought this data blocker for you. Charge your device with this powerful USB data blocker without worrying about any hacker getting in your device.
- 【HIGH SPEED CHARGING】: USB defenders are made for blocking the hacker as well as fast charging, The 4th generation design chip can be used for the universal charging standards automatically switch to, Compatible with Various brands of smartphones, ensure compatibility with your device. and charge at up to 2.4 Amps.
- 【to make high quality safety products】:Advance manufacturing process design The metal shell material has multiple safety protection functions such as heat dissipation and fire safety, USB Data Blocker are used by the governments of the USA, Canada, UK and New Zealand as well as 100s of corporations around the world to secure their devices，100% guarantee against hacker attack.
- 【Perfect Compatibility】: We USB-C to USB-C and USB-A to USB-C data blocker ensures seamless data security across all your Type-C tech gadgets including iPhone 15 and 16 series, Galaxy S25 S24 S23 S22 S21 S10, USB-C iPad, Android Tablets, MacBooks, and more
| Vendor-listed specification | Basic (Gen 1) | Elite (Gen 3) |
|---|---|---|
| Payload slots | 8 | 50–300 |
| Maximum payload speed | 120 keys per second | 890 keys per second |
| Maximum payload size | 4,000 keystrokes | 1,500,000 keystrokes |
| Keystroke and mouse injection | Listed | Listed |
| FullSpeed USB hardware keylogger | Not listed | Listed |
| HIDX StealthLink | Not listed | Listed |
| Encrypted network C2 | Not listed | Listed |
These figures and feature distinctions are Hak5’s current published specifications, accessed in 2026; the company says they are based on devices using its latest beta firmware and may change without notice. They are not independently validated performance results. The page does not establish current price or availability.
How does the O.MG Cable work in authorized security training?
Its security value is that it lets a team examine a threat that may look like an ordinary cable. In a controlled, authorized exercise, defenders can assess whether their policies, monitoring, and user training identify risky USB behavior. Hak5 also describes teaching and training as intended uses. Its official payload library provides repository context for the O.MG product line: O.MG official payload library.
Rank #2
- The Ultimate Data Guardian: Worried about the risk of mobile phone data leakage or viruses when using public charging stations? A data blocker is an effective way to reduce these risks. By physically blocking data transfer, it helps protect your device from potential spyware or hacking attempts while charging
- Only for Charging: With our USB data blocker, you can charge your device without any risk of data transfer. It allows only the charging function while blocking data transfer and syncing. Your phone will not receive pop ups requesting data transmission
- Fast Charging for USB C Data Blocker: JSAUX USB C Data Blocker adopts PD 3.0/2.0 fast charging technology, supports 100W fast charging (20V/5A), and is also compatible with charging power of 240W/140W/60W/45W/36W/27W/15W, etc. The USB Data Blocker supports up to 2.4A charging. (NOTE: The actual charging speed depends on your device and wall charger.)
- Compact Design for Travel and Daily Use: Small and lightweight for easy carrying in pockets, backpacks, or keychains. Ideal for travelers, commuters, and anyone who frequently uses public charging stations. The transparent casing provides a modern and durable look
- USB & USB C Data Blockers 4 Pack: We offer you two USB Data Blockers and two USB C Data Blockers, compatible with iPhone 18 Pro/18 Pro Max, iPhone Duo, iPhone 17/17e/Air/17 Pro/17 Pro Max, iPhone 16/16 Plus/16 Pro/16 Pro Max, iPhone 15/15 Plus/15 Pro/15 Pro Max, Samsung, iPad, Macbook and other devices. Works with both USB and USB C ports, ideal for safe charging at airports, hotels, and public charging stations
Hak5 says cables ship deactivated because of their capabilities. The manufacturer describes the O.MG Programmer as the tool used to activate a cable, apply firmware upgrades, or recover after lockout, and says the programmer is universal across O.MG devices. Check Hak5’s current documentation for device compatibility and availability before relying on that accessory.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Can a USB cable hack your computer?
A malicious or implanted cable can present a security risk beyond charging. Honeywell Industrial Cybersecurity has characterized O.MG Cable as a malicious-cable threat that can appear as a human interface device and expose a computer to remote attacks over Wi-Fi. That is secondary background, not a current product manual or a measure of how often such attacks occur.
Rank #3
- Charge phones and other mobile devices without any risk of hacking / uploading viruses from an untrusted USB socket
- Connects between a USB-A power socket and the USB-C socket on your device
- 20 AWG thick low resistance copper cable. Includes 56k Ohm pullup resistor to comply with official USB-C spec.
- PortaPow Data Blockers are used by the governments of the USA, Canada, UK and New Zealand as well as 100s of corporations around the world to secure their devices
- Compatible with all USB-C devices, only compatible with iPhones and iPads if they use a USB-C cable for charging, read the full description below if you're unsure.
The practical lesson is not that every cable is dangerous or that every USB connection will lead to compromise. The sources cited here establish neither the likelihood that a randomly encountered cable is malicious nor a prevalence rate for O.MG Cable attacks. They also do not independently validate current product performance.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How can you reduce risk when charging a phone?
NIST’s Mobile Threat Catalogue describes a risk in which a compromised computer exploits a trusted USB connection to a mobile device. Its recommendation is specific: when charging a mobile device, avoid connecting it directly to a computer and prefer a simple corded charger obtained from the device vendor. This is general USB safety guidance, not a product-specific test of the O.MG Cable.
Rank #4
- ⭐(Versatility in Compatibility) Works seamlessly with a broad range of USB-A devices, including iPhone 17/17 Air/17 Pro/17 Pro Max, iPhone 16/16 Plus/16 Pro/16 Pro Max, iPhone 15/15 Plus/15 Pro/15 Pro Max, Samsung phones, Android smartphones, tablets, digital cameras, and more—ideal for users who value privacy across all their devices.
- (Compact & Portable) Made with a nylon-braided cable and aluminum alloy connectors, this charging-only cable is lightweight and easy to carry. Its compact 0.18 m (0.6 ft) length helps reduce cable clutter and fits easily into pockets, bags, or travel cases.
- (Charging Without Compromise) In a world where cyber threats lurk around every corner, a USB Data Blocker is indispensable for your safe navigation.The Ruxely USB Data Blocker is your loyal guardian as it can effectively prevent unauthorized access to your data without compromising on its 3 Amps charging speeds.
- (Plug-and-play) This USB data blocker is also incredibly user-friendly. Just get things up and running in the blink of an eye.There are no complicated installations or additional software required.
- ⭐(Ideal for Sensitive Environments) Perfect for use in public charging stations like airports, hotels, and cafes, the USB charge-only cable ensures your data stays secure while charging, preventing juice jacking,making it a critical tool for users prioritizing privacy and data protection.
- Use a vendor-supplied or otherwise trusted wall charger when you only need power, rather than connecting the phone to an unfamiliar computer.
- On Android, disable USB debugging when it is not in use.
- Keep an unattended device physically secure.
A charge-only cable or data blocker may also limit data connections, but these sources do not validate a particular model or establish that any blocker prevents every USB attack. Check connector compatibility and the manufacturer’s description before relying on one.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Get Charged Up: Meet Plugable’s 2m (6.5ft) 240W USB-C to USB-C cable designed exclusively for charging. With no data lines for safer use in public spaces and protection against juice jacking. Delivers clean, reliable power to laptops, tablets, and phones. Includes a cable tag so you always know the specs, plus a strap for easy cable management
- Extended Power Range to 240W: This USB C cable fast charging supports up to 240W power (48V/5A), ideal for gaming laptops, pro workstations, and large tablets. The cable communicates with your device to ensure safe, consistent, and efficient charging
- Safer by Design: Standard USB-C cables carry data. This true USB C charging cable only physically carries power. That means real protection in airports, cafes, schools, and any public charging port. No adapters needed, just direct, secure charging
- Universal USB-C Charging: Works with any device that supports USB Power Delivery up to 240W, including MacBook Pro/Air/Neo, Dell XPS, Lenovo ThinkPad, iPad Pro, and Samsung Galaxy. This USBC to USBC design fits USB-C chargers, hubs, docks, and other PD-compliant gear
- Lifetime Support: This USB C fast charging cable has been designed with reliability at its core and was built to meet the deployment demands of IT departments and the ease of use necessary for home offices. Includes lifetime support from our North American team of connectivity experts
Sources
- Hak5 O.MG Cable product page — manufacturer descriptions, listed capabilities, tier specifications, and product caveats.
- Hak5 / GitHub O.MG official payload library — repository context and documentation pointer.
- NIST Mobile Threat Catalogue: PHY-2, Device Attack via PC Connection — general mobile-device USB connection precautions.
- Honeywell Industrial Cybersecurity, “Advanced USB Threats” — secondary background on malicious USB cable threats.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
