This $6 USB condom can protect your data even in the most dangerous places.

There are three things I keep in mind when I go out.i look for it best coffee I can findi’m sure so use a VPN when Use public Wi-FiAnd I always try to use a USB data blocker, aka “USB data blocker”. USB condomwhenever using a 3rd party charger (like the one you find in a coffee shop).

OK, first, what the heck is a USB condom?

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

A USB condom is a small dongle that adds an extra layer of protection between your device and the charging point that connects it.

Remember that USB is more than just a charging protocol, it also allows data to flow back and forth. While this data flow is safe most of the time, it can create malicious charging ports that can do bad things like: Plant malware on your device or steal data.

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PortaPow USB Data Blocker

A USB-to-USB adapter that protects connected devices from juicejacking.

Not just a charger. Cables can also perform all sorts of malicious activities.

All of the cables and dongles listed below can be used to harm your device.

Don’t expect to see the hacking magic inside these cables. You can’t do that. It’s easy to get confused with other cables, so keep a small orange tag on it so you don’t confuse it with regular cables.

Now back to the USB condom data blocker.

is sold by Portapau, they are a very simple and cheap solution to the problem of using unreliable USB charging devices. Simply plugging it into the port cuts off any potential data transfer between the charger and your device, creating an air gap between the USB port and your smartphone, laptop, or whatever you’re charging.

I have the following data blockers USB-A to USB-A, USB-A to USB-Cand USB-C-to-USB-C.

Hyperparanoid people also have: transparent data blockerthe idea is that you can tell if it has been tampered with in some way.

The role of USB condoms is simple. It turns a USB port into a charging-only port by blocking all data lines. Of course, you can also make your own with a USB cable (slice and cut the data cable). But these bespoke data blockers cost just $7, so it doesn’t seem like much of a hassle.

Another company that makes quality charge-only data blocking cables is StarTech. These cables are 1 meter long andUSB-A to microUSB, USB-A to USB-Cand USB-A to USB-A. These cost around $12, all have cutouts in the USB-A ports that show no data lines, and all are marked “power only.”

again: My favorite USB-C accessory got a magnetic upgrade

Keep in mind: Data blockers can prevent data transfer, but an accident, misconfiguration, or malicious tampering with the port can damage your device. For example, devices such as: USB kill It can be used to destroy any connected device by sending high voltage through a USB port and destroying sensitive electronics.

dirty!

It makes sense to use a USB condom if you need to use a charger, cable, or charging port that is not under your control. Bring your own charger or power bank (or a charger that doubles as a power bank) if you need an extra layer of protection. Anchor 733) and use your own cable.