USB-A to C Data Blocker

I travel quite a bit for work. In my travels it's not unusual to have to recharge portable devices such as my iPhone in airports (including lounges), hotels, restaurants and even on planes and in taxis. Ever since learning about "Juice Jacking" from one of my engineering client's IT department, I have been concerned about unauthorized access to data on my devices and the installation of malware via "free" USB charging ports. Thanks to PortaPow there is a solution to prevent my devices from being Juice Jacked. I have purchased both USB-A to USB-C adapters as well as USB-C M/F cables to use during my travels. I also use them for visits to my local barista as you never know who has been messing around with the store's USB ports. I have been using the PortaPow cables for a while now and just started using the USB adapters for my latest trip to China. It's difficult to prove the kit is working since you do not get a warning about an unsafe situation as the PortaPows permanently block all data all of the time from being transmitted by the USB's data lane. To date, none of my devices have been compromised. I have also not noticed any degradation in charging speed, so I have been quite happy I now have the data blockers in my backpack all the time. One thing that I really appreciate about these PortaPow data blocker devices is that the connections to my USB plugs are very solid. Regardless of minor drag on the connections, nothing comes loose. I have now purchased a set of adapters and cables for my wife to further mitigate the possibility of compromised devices gaining access to our home network. The cost for the added peace of mind is nominal. Along with WiFi and other connection security solutions, the PortaPow Data Blocker should be considered as an integral part of ensuring device and network integrity.

“Juice Jacking” is not new. It was first identified as a potential vulnerability back in 2011. It has been making the rounds in the news since. The attack is diabolically simple. It takes advantage of the USB standard at the hardware level. See photos for reference. When you plug your device into an infected USB port (or cord) at an airplane, airport, coffeeshop, or Uber, you’re putting your digital security at risk of being infected with malware that will hijack your device or, worse, lay dormant to collect and transmit your sensitive information without showing any external symptoms. To guard against juice jacking, you could follow a few simple but effective precautions: 1️⃣ Do not plug into a public USB port. 2️⃣ Do not use a USB cord from a stranger. 3️⃣ Use a portable power bank, or a wall charger (acts as buffer), and your own cord. 4️⃣ Use a USB data blocker: Simple and effective devices that work at the physical level by removing the two leads used to transfer data in and out, which leaves only the power and ground leads. 🤓 How To Test 1️⃣ Visual Inspection: This is something you can actually verify with your own eyes. A data blocker has two leads, a standard USB has four. See photos for a side by side. 2️⃣ Function Test: Another simple way to check if the blocker you received is effective is to plug it into your computer then plug a thumb drive into the blocker. If the data blocker is doing its job, your computer won’t be able to recognize or read the thumb drive because it lacks data leads. 👉 I have tested this PortaPow Data Blocker for charging and data blocking, and in my testing, it worked exactly as advertised. Final Thoughts 🧐 If you travel a lot, especially internationally, you will inevitably be in a situation where you have to use a USB port to recharge your phone. This happens often when you’re seated in an airplane and there’s only a USB port and no other sockets within easy reach. For those and similar scenarios, this little doohickey will be there to keep you safe. Just buy them, and toss them into your accessory bag for your next trip. It’s better to have them and not use them than the other way around. This a simple device, made well, and priced reasonably. I highly recommend it. Another alternative is data blockers made by Eyebloc, but those seem to be always sold out. I hope my review has helped you make a more informed buying decision 👍😊✌️ — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — ⚠️ One more thing Here are a few important caveats PortaPow includes with its product. - “Our SmartCharge chip detects whether your device uses the Apple, Universal or Samsung spec and sends the correct signal, ensuring the adaptor does not become a bottleneck.” - “This adaptor will not solve charging issues caused by a low quality / extra long cable (how long is extra long🤔)” - “Devices which charge using Qualcomm Quick Charge, Samsung Adaptive Fast Charge, or similar standards require data transfer to be enabled and a compatible charger, and so will not charge at extra fast speeds from normal USB sockets or with a data blocker.”

This PortaPow USB-A to USB-C Data Blocker is a popular one, but I only found out about data blockers recently AFTER a trip overseas. I recall sitting at the airport and thinking nervously that the charging stations appeared heavily used--as they would be in any international airport. After my trip, I happened upon the PortaPow Data Blocker. I did some quick research and realized I'd been slacking off as far as securing my data even as I think I'm on top of everything. I purchased this for myself and also added four more for family members who were traveling a couple of days after I returned from my trip. PortaPow is an industry standard. I also purchased another brand manufactured in the USA and will review that product separately. I feel relieved that security solutions are out there, and I needed to be reminded to keep up on them more closely given today's security challenges.

Love these. Allows me to charge via USB ports in airports, on planes, in rental cars, and in hotels without the possibility of getting hacked (which is no longer reserved only for spy-movies but is a new method for scammers to exploit). There's no reason you should plug in a data-transfer-allowable cable to charge your device, unless you're also transferring data. I have a USB-A to USB-A and a USB-A to USB-C version as part of my travel charging bag, which saves me from having to use wall-plugs exclusively, or a cigarette lighter adapter for vehicles. I also use it in my own vehicle to prevent Android Auto from connecting when I plug into the USB-A port as I consider it annoying and don't use the feature, but still have it available if I don't use the data blocker and without having to mess with the car's system settings. Less of a security concern in this case and more of a personal preference.

I feel more secure knowing my data is not being hijacked. Small and durable these have earned a place in my travel pack. It’s great to be able to connect without worries.

ibused it once at the airport but may be it was easiernif i used ac adapter instead. product seems to protect data.

Works

Perfect to give you a sense of security against juice jacking, as well as acting as a converter between older USB A power ports in public places like airport and airplanes and your phone.

Nothing more to say

Simple piece of kit that does the intended job. I’ve had a couple of these for different connectors.

Este produto permite o carregamento mas este não é continuo, está sempre a parar e a continuar.

Never leave home without this whenever I might need to charge my phone. Very useful before I installed GrapheneOS, but I still use it.

Moim zdaniem niezbędne akcesorium w podróży, ale również w pracy czy w domu. PortaPow jest przydatny wszędzie tam, gdzie chcemy skorzystać z zasilania portu USB, ale nie chcemy wymiany danych miedzy naszym urządzeniem a nieznaną ładowarką lub obcym komputerem. Zarówno przygodne ładowarki, jak i komputery mogą być niebezpieczne ze względu na możliwość próby ataku podłączonego telefonu złośliwym oprogramowaniem. Ma to znaczenie także wszędzie tam, gdzie korzystamy z komputera np. u znajomego czy w pracy, ale nie chcemy, by rozpoczynał on synchronizację z naszym telefonem, której możemy nie być w stanie w porę anulować. Chcemy po prostu jedynie skorzystać z zasilania USB w celu doładowania. Sama koncepcja tego typu zabezpieczenia nie jest nowa, bo od dawna słyszałem o zabezpieczeniach zwanych USB condom. Jednak PortaPow jest porządnie wykonany, co budzi zaufanie i zajmuje niewiele miejsca.