This is how ‘USB condoms’ work to protect devices from malware infections

One of the ways to introduce infections in technological devices is through the transfer of data through USB ports, since they offer direct access to the device and make it possible to include malware or another type of virus, through a technique known as ‘Juice Jacking’, can be easily avoided by using a ‘USB condom’.

LOOK: 92-year-old retiree patents his own wind turbine that produces three times more electricity

The daily and continuous use of mobile devices such as smartphones or tablets makes it necessary in certain situations to recharge your battery from anywhere to continue having access to these tools.

For this reason, in order to supply this demand, public establishments such as hotels, cafeterias, shopping centers or even airports and public transport, increasingly put more public charging stations available to users. These charging ports usually offer a power socket with a USB input and, in order to charge the device, the user only has to connect it with a cable of the same type.

However, malicious actors take advantage of this practice to spread malware and viruses, since the connection to USB ports, in addition to offering charging for the device, it also allows the flow of data between the smartphone and the charging point.

LOOK: US senator asks Sony to reveal PlayStation exclusivity deals

Specifically, it deals with the technique ‘Juice Jacking’with which cybercriminals manipulate these public charging ports and use them as a data transfer connection to infect the terminal by deploying malware or even stealing sensitive data.

In this sense, in order to avoid giving free access to malicious actors, either by introducing viruses or monitoring software, an effective method is the use of a ‘USB condom’. Basically it is a small device whose function is to provide an extra layer of protection between the smartphone and the public charger.

LOOK: Don’t you like listening to WhatsApp audios? This AI-powered Peruvian-created bot transcribes it for you

This device is an adapter that serves as a bridge between the smartphone or tablet and the USB portturning the latter into a charging port only and avoiding the exchange of data automatically.

The operation of ‘USB condoms’ is simple. USB connection It mainly uses four cables, two of them have the function of energy transfer, that is, they are responsible for the charge. The other two are used for data transfer, so they are responsible for transferring files of all kinds, including malware.

LOOK: This is how Manco Cápac, Atahualpa, Pachacútec and other Incas would look like, according to an AI

With this in mind, ‘USB condoms’ they only have to block the two connections in charge of data transfer to avoid transfers and only try to charge the smartphone, tablet or computer.

These devices are useful for any terminal since they are offered with a wide variety of connection types, both USB A, B and C, as well as Mini-USB or Micro-USB.

One of their advantages is that, due to their size, they are a comfortable tool that can be easily transported, without involving a bulky addition. Another aspect to assess is that many of these ‘USB condoms’ also include the option to charge the device at a higher speed. However, what is most striking is its price, which, depending on the brand, can be purchased for around 10 euros.

However, there are other ways to avoid risk of infection when using public charging stations. One of them is to use a portable battery for mobile devices to turn to anytime, anywhere.

LOOK: Replika, the AI ​​that had to be updated for sexually harassing some users

Similarly, in the case of smartphones, they can also be configured so that, once connected, they only accept charging and data transfer is automatically blocked. However, this last option does not definitively close the doors to possible infections.

Contrary to what it may seem, this practice is common among cybercriminals. Even the FBI has warned about ‘Juice Jacking’, advising users to avoid using these free charging stations in public places and use whenever possible a regular power outlet with your own charger and cable.

In addition to all this, it must be taken into account that malware and virus infections are transmitted from device to device, so if a smartphone is connected to a trusted computer, it can also be infected if this computer has a virus . That is why the ‘USB condoms’ They are a necessary protection method that should be used more on a day-to-day basis.

Source: Elcomercio

Callum

I have worked in the news industry for over 10 years. I have a vast amount of experience in writing and reporting. I have also worked as an author for a number of years, writing about technology and other topics.

I am a highly skilled and experienced journalist, with a keen eye for detail. I am also an excellent communicator, with superb writing skills. I am passionate about technology and its impact on our world. I am also very interested in current affairs and the latest news stories.

I am a hardworking and dedicated professional, who always strives to produce the best possible work. I am also a team player, who is always willing to help out others.