When Apple’s premium Thunderbolt 4 cable hit our CT scanner, the tech world took notice. We uncovered the intricate, elegant design hidden within—a glimpse into the sophistication hidden in everyday objects as well as Apple's obsessive engineering. Now, we’re diving into something darker and more intriguing: the O.MG Cable. This innocent-looking USB cable, created by security researcher Mike Grover (aka MG), is a masterclass in malicious hardware design. And with Neptune, we unlock the unfiltered, three-dimensional truth about what’s really going on inside.

Watch our interview with MG as he walks us through the design process and shares his perspective on hardware security challenges.

A secret weapon against hardware threats

The O.MG Cable looks like any standard USB cable, but concealed components make it a security nightmare. Hidden within its tiny casing are electronics capable of logging keystrokes, launching scripts, or even breaching secure systems. Our scan shows the almost surgical precision of the internal layout, a testament to MG’s craftsmanship. A microprocessor and antenna sit nestled within, blending seamlessly into the unassuming housing.

The malicious components are engineered to avoid detection by conventional methods, showing just how sophisticated these attacks have become. Even a traditional 2D X-ray scan might not turn up anything unusual, but 3D industrial CT allows us to explore every element, uncovering design considerations and potential vulnerabilities that no other tool can reveal. 

For instance, MG points out the presence of a hidden silicon storage component, surreptitiously bonded to the larger, more readily-visible microprocessor. If we trace the thin bond wires—roughly the thickness of a human hair—we’ll find that a few of them lead to this smaller chip. This subtlety would evade detection by inspection techniques that can’t volumetrically assess an assembly like this. Fortunately, industrial CT provides these crucial security insights, down to the micron level.

Why CT scanning matters for supply chain security

Modern supply chains are complex—and highly vulnerable to tampering. The O.MG Cable exemplifies how easily malicious hardware can be introduced, posing risks not only to individuals but to companies and critical infrastructure. With Neptune and our Voyager software, we offer a non-destructive way to detect alterations, verify designs, and ensure the integrity of hardware at every stage.

As the world grapples with the growing risks of compromised hardware, it’s clear that tools like industrial CT are no longer optional. Industrial CT provides a unique ability to visualize, measure, and validate components before they’re deployed into sensitive environments.

A new frontier in inspection technology

Mike Grover’s creation is a sobering reminder of the potential threats lurking in objects we use every day, like a phone charger. At the same time, our scans showcase the incredible potential of industrial CT to address these challenges. By making this technology more accessible, Lumafield equips engineers, security experts, and manufacturers with the power to uncover vulnerabilities and protect what matters most.

The O.MG Cable isn’t just a clever hack—it’s a wake-up call for industries worldwide. With the X-ray vision of industrial CT, you can make sure that wake-up call translates into action.