One of these data blockers is fake and could hack your computer if you plugged it into the data port!
Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET
Data blockers<!–> – also known as USB condoms – are one of those cheap security tools that I recommend everyone who might find themselves using a random charger have in their pocket or bag. Along with a good VPN, antivirus software, and an encrypted flash drive, it’s one of those modern-day security tools that I think are essential.
OK, first off, what are data blockers? It’s a small dongle that adds a layer of protection between your device and the charging point you’re attaching it to, and it allows charging to happen but blocks any data from being communicated by physically severing the USB data lines, putting an air gap between the USB port and your smartphone, laptop, or whatever you are charging.
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Why is this important? USB isn’t just a charging protocol, it also allows data to flow back and forth, and while most of the time this data flow is safe, it is possible to create a malicious charging port that can do bad things, such as plant malware on your device or steal your data.
I’m a big fan of the data blockers sold by PortaPow–> These are an inexpensive and super-simple solution to the problem of using untrusted USB charging devices.
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PortaPow has the only data blocker where the two wires which carry data have been physically removed, so you can be sure it is working.
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Now, the other day a reader told me they were at an airport where someone was “handing out free USB data blockers,” and they wondered if I thought that was a bit strange.
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Well, it is, because quite honestly, I wouldn’t trust a USB device that was handed out to me randomly. It could be anything, and after all, there are malicious data blockers out there in the wild.
Take a look at that image above and see if you can spot the fake data blocker there.
See it? No?
It’s this one.
<!–> Fake data clocker amongst a bunch of real ones Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET
That is a fake data blocker by a company called O.MG and it’s called the UnBlocker–>
