Accessory maker Plugable just launched a collection of USB-C data-blocker charging cables. The cables transfer only power, not data, and therefore prevent “juice jacking” attacks at public charging ports.
The cables handle up to 240W and come in variety of lengths. Plus, a launch deal drops the prices!
Prevent juice jacking with Plugable USB-C data-blocker cables
Plugging your iPhone or Mac into a public charging port in an airport, hotel or cafe comes with the risk that the port will try to steal data from your computer — a practice called juice jacking. While these charging stations appear safe, a compromised port or cable can secretly install malware or extract sensitive data like passwords, emails or personal files from the connected device.
Standard USB connections can transmit both power and data, and attackers exploit this dual functionality to gain unauthorized access. But not with Plugable’s new high-wattage, data-blocker USB-C cables. They allow only electric current to flow — and thus stop juice jacking in its tracks. (For more tips on safeguarding your gear against this type of hack, read Cult of Mac’s how-to on the subject: 6 ways to avoid “juice jacking” at public iPhone charging stations.)
Despite the lack of data lines, the cables offer plenty of power. They support the USB Power Delivery (PD) 3.1 Extended Power Range (EPR) standard, delivering up to 240W (48V/5A) for fast charging.
Price & availability
The Plugable USBC-CC1M USB data-blocker cable measures 3.3 feet (1 meter) and is travel-ready. It ordinarily sells for $14.95, but a launch deal lowers the cost to $11.96 — that’s 20% off!
Buy it from: Amazon
Plugable’s 1m (3.3ft) 240W USB-C to USB-C cable is designed exclusively for charging. It includes no data lines for safer use in public spaces and protection against juice jacking. Delivers clean, reliable power to laptops, tablets, and phones.
There’s also the Plugable USBC-CC2M, which measures 6.6 feet (2 meters). The usual price for this USB-C data blocker is $15.95, but a launch deal drops that to $12.76.
Buy it from: Amazon
Plugable’s 2m (6.6ft) 240W USB-C to USB-C cable is designed exclusively for charging. It includes no data lines for safer use in public spaces and protection against juice jacking. Delivers clean, reliable power to laptops, tablets, and phones.
Plus, Plugable offers the USBC-CCS5X, a pack of five 6-inch-long USB-C data-blocker cables. While the regular cost is $24.95, a launch deal reduces the price to $19.96.
Buy it from: Amazon
Charge up all of your devices. This 5-pack of Plugable 6in, 240W USB-C charge cables are built for secure, clutter-free charging. Each heavy-duty charging cable omits data lines for true security and protection against juice jacking in airports, schools, libraries, and public kiosks.
Ed Hardy has been writing full-time about tech for 25 years, and using it for much longer than that. His intro to Apple was a Macintosh Classic II (which he still has), but now he uses a 13-inch iPad Pro as his primary computer. He’s written for NotebookReview, TabletPCReview, and Brighthand, as well as other sites.
