Cyberattacks are on the rise and as technology advances, so do the number of ways hackers can access our devices. One of the most common ways for attackers to gain access to our personal data is through public charging stations, which are conveniently located in public places such as airports, cafes, and libraries – and even on planes. Unfortunately, these charging stations are also popular locations for cybercriminals looking to gain access to your smartphone and tablet and any private information stored on it.
In a nutshell, cybercriminals use malicious USB chargers to upload malware onto smartphones and tablets. Malware can give hackers access to all kinds of confidential information, such as credit card numbers, passwords, and more. By using a data blocker when charging your phones at public charging stations, you can protect yourself from this type of cyberattack.
What is a Data Blocker?
A data blocker is a device that prevents any data from being transferred between two devices. When using a data blocker, the only thing that will be transferred is power. This means that no personal information or other sensitive data will be compromised while charging your phone or tablet at a public station.
Data blockers also protect against “juice jacking” – a type of attack where hackers use malicious charging cables or even compromised USB ports to steal data from unsuspecting users. If the user is unaware that their device has been compromised until it’s too late, the hacker will already have access to all kinds of sensitive information stored on the device.
How Does a Data Blocker Work?
Data blockers are inexpensive and easy to use; most models cost around $20 and can be plugged directly into any USB port for instant protection against malicious attacks. They work by blocking all incoming transmission signals and only allowing power to pass through them.
Because they don’t require any additional software or installation processes, data blockers are extremely user-friendly and require minimal setup before use. They have proven to be an incredibly effective way of ensuring that confidential information remains secure while plugging into public charging ports or cables.
Our favorite data blocker is the $21 Smart Keeper Smart Data Blocker, which not only blocks all data connections to the USB port but also can be locked in place so that someone with malicious intent can remove it.
Is a Data Blocker Really Necessary?
In a word, yes. Public charging stations are easy ways for cybercriminals to gain access to your personal information without you even knowing about it. By using a data blocker, you can protect yourself and your information by stopping any malicious attempts at stealing your data while you’re on the go. If you have sensitive information stored on devices such as phones or tablets – and most of us do – then data blockers should always be used whenever devices are charged in public places.
