Flying in this weekend? This $6 USB Condom Will Keep Your Data Safe From Questionable Outlets

There are three things that I make sure I do when I am out. I seek out the best coffee I can find. When using public Wi-Fi I make sure I use a VPN, and I always make sure I use a USB data blocker, otherwise known as a USB Data Blocker. usb condomWhenever I use a third-party charger (like the ones you get at the coffee shop).

Ok, first of all, what is a USB condom?

Too: How to use public Wi-Fi safely: 5 tips you need to know before you connect

A USB dongle is a small dongle that adds a layer of protection between your device and the charging point you’re connecting it to.

Remember, USB is not just a charging protocol, it also allows data to flow back and forth, and while most of the time this data flow is secure, it is possible to create a malicious charging port that can malfunction, Like plant malware on your device or steal your data.

ZDNET Recommends

PortPow USB Data Blocker

A USB-to-USB adapter that protects your connected devices from juice-jacking.

And it’s not just chargers. Cables can also carry out all kinds of malicious activities.

All of these cables and dongles shown below can be used to jailbreak devices.

And don’t think that you can just look at these cables and see the hacking wizardry inside – you can’t! It’s so easy to confuse them with other cables that I put the little orange tag on them to keep them from getting mixed up with my regular cables.

So, back to USB condom data blockers.

sold by portapauThese are a super-simple, inexpensive solution to the problem of using unreliable USB charging devices. Simply plug it into a port, and any and all possible data transfer between the charger and your device is cut off, leaving an air gap between the USB port and your smartphone, laptop or whatever you’re charging Gap remains.

are data blockers for usb-a-to-usb-a, USB-A-to-USB-CAnd USB-C-to-USB-C,

are for super-crazy people too transparent data blockerThe idea is that you can tell if they have been tampered with in any way.

The job of a USB condom is simple – to turn any USB port into a charge-only port by blocking all data lines. Sure, you could make one out of a USB cable yourself (cut it into pieces and snip the data cable), but with these particular data blockers only costing about $7, it doesn’t really seem worth the trouble.

Another company that makes high-quality charge-only data-blocking cables is Startec. These cables are one meter long and come inusb-a-to-microusb, USB-A-to-USB-CAnd usb-a-to-usb-a, They cost around $12, all have a cutout on the USB-A port so no data lines are visible, and all are marked “power only”.

Too: My favorite USB-C accessory of all time gets a magnetic upgrade

Keep in mind: While a data blocker may prevent data transfer, the port may still be capable of causing harm to the device through accident, misconfiguration, or malicious tampering. For example, tools such as usb kill It can be used to kill devices connected to them, by sending a high voltage through the USB port, frying delicate electronics.

nasty!

If you have to use a charger, cable or charging port that is not under your control, it is advisable to use a USB condom. If you want an extra layer of protection, get your own charger or power bank (or a charger that’s also a power bank, like this one). anchor 733) with you and use your own cable.