The idea of pulling data from a smartphone via a car charger might sound clever, but it carries real security risks. This topic emerged in reports from Prime about Vasily Shutov, a lecturer in the Information Protection department at RTU MIREA.
Shutov described how a tailored electric circuit can be built into a USB cable or tucked into the charger’s connector. When activated, this circuit can trigger a cyber attack by delivering malicious software to the connected device. Such hardware-based exploits show that an attacker could exploit seemingly ordinary charging gear to gain access to personal information.
He also noted that damaging programs can be embedded within vehicle electronics. In that scenario, a thief might not even need a separate USB cable to reach data from a smartphone. The door to data exfiltration could swing open through compromised car systems, especially in modern vehicles with extensive onboard networks and entertainment systems.
To lessen the risk of in-car information theft, Shutov recommended using a so called non data cable that can responsibly charge the device but does not permit data transfer. This straightforward precaution can curb many common attack methods that rely on data channels, especially for users who travel with devices connected to rental cars, taxis, or fleet vehicles.
There have been real-world cases illustrating the danger of car related data breaches. In St. Petersburg, authorities detained three suspects tied to the theft of a BMW X5. The vehicle had been lithely moved from its parking spot by a tow truck and later discovered in the city with altered license plates. The BMW was eventually returned to its owner, and the suspects were arrested on November 30. Investigators confirmed that two suspects were residents of St. Petersburg, while the third came from the Leningrad region, with the case moving forward on theft charges.
Separately, automobile expert Ruzanov highlighted four signs of a faulty heater in a car, underscoring how vehicle components can reveal broader maintenance issues that may also impact safety and security on the road. This reminder echoes the broader message that vehicle health and cyber hygiene go hand in hand, especially as modern cars increasingly blend mechanical systems with digital controls.