for Hardware 2.0
| December 2, 2019 — 09:00 GMT (09:00 GMT)
| Topic: Security
Look, I’m not super paranoid. Really, I’m not. But there are three things that I make sure I do when I’m out and about. I seek out the best coffee I can find. I make sure I use a VPN when using public Wi-Fi, and I always make sure I use a USB data blocker, otherwise known as a USB condom
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While the risk from using public USB power charging stations at airports, hotels, and other locations might be small, a USB port is a gateway into a device, and allowing any scabby charging station access to my devices seems overall like a bad idea. Where I can I like to use my own chargers of power banks, but for those occasional times when I can’t do that, I carry on my keyring a small USB data blocker.
There are a number out there, but the brand I trust is PortaPow (because I’ve tested them and taken them apart to see how they work). PortaPow’s 3rd-gen USB data blocker blocks any and all data transfer, but the built-in chip detects the type of device which is connected and swaps between Apple, Universal and Samsung charging specifications, thus enabling the fastest charge possible.
PortaPow 3rd-gen USB data blocker
There’s also a USB-C version of the 3rd-gen data blocker available.
And, for the ultra-paranoid, PortaPow has a “pure” data blocker that contains no electronics at all other than a wire bridge for the power, and even has a see-through case so you can be sure there are no shenanigans going on.
Small, easy to carry, and offering good piece of mind.
See also:
The $25 accessory every MacBook owner needsHow much does the new 16-inch MacBook Pro with 64GB of RAM and 8TB of storage cost?The world’s best power bank: The Zendure SuperTankMore weird and super useful gadgets (that make great gifts too!)
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Hardware
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for Hardware 2.0
| December 2, 2019 — 09:00 GMT (09:00 GMT)
| Topic: Security