"Hack ANY Cell Phone" - Hacker Shows How Easy It Is To Hack Your Cell Phone

Summary

Ryan Montgomery demonstrates several concealed cybersecurity tools and explains how they could be used in authorized penetration testing—or abused for spying and data theft.

Modified USB Charging Cables (“OMG Cables”)

These cables look and work like ordinary chargers but contain a small computer and Wi-Fi capability. In the demonstration, Montgomery connects to the cable’s wireless interface and remotely runs a payload that types text on a computer.

He says similar devices can inject keystrokes into phones. A cable placed between a keyboard and a computer can also capture keyboard input. Montgomery cites a price of about $200 for the device, compared with a much more expensive government version.

Protection Against Malicious Cables

A basic USB data blocker limits a connection to charging, preventing data transfer. Montgomery recommends inexpensive versions that cost roughly $5–$10.

He also shows a pricier “Unblocker,” which resembles a data blocker but can inject keystrokes, and a separate detector intended to identify malicious cables.

Screen-Capture Device

A compact device with USB, HDMI, wireless, and SD-card connections can be hidden behind a monitor or TV. Montgomery says it can transmit screen video wirelessly and save footage to storage when it is out of range.

He recommends checking behind screens and computers for unfamiliar devices.

Phone-Data Extraction

The discussion briefly mentions Cellebrite, a tool used to extract data from phones. Montgomery estimates its price at $20,000–$50,000 but says he is unsure of the exact figure.

Ethics and Safety

Montgomery distinguishes authorized penetration testing—which aims to find weaknesses so organizations can fix them—from criminal uses such as stealing credentials or monitoring people.

The segment’s practical protective advice is to use a charge-only data blocker and inspect unfamiliar accessories and devices.

The segment demonstrates a disguised cable’s wireless payload interface, but it does not show a successful hack of an arbitrary cell phone.

Main speakers and sources: Ryan Montgomery (also known as Zero Day), cybersecurity guest; Patrick Bet-David, podcast host.