• halcyoncmdr@lemmy.world
      link
      fedilink
      English
      arrow-up
      89
      arrow-down
      4
      ·
      2 months ago

      Not really bad if you use a power-only cable. If the data pins aren’t even wired up, can’t move anything other than power.

      Not sure if that works with USB-C at anything other than legacy 500mA power draw though, probably not since the device can’t communicate for what it supports.

      • aeronmelon@lemmy.worldM
        link
        fedilink
        English
        arrow-up
        70
        arrow-down
        1
        ·
        2 months ago

        If your device has good software, it will only allow power unless you authorize a data connection.

        • turmacar@lemmy.world
          link
          fedilink
          English
          arrow-up
          63
          ·
          2 months ago

          * Assuming there is no bug, zero-day, or other vulnerability on the current version of your fully updated device.

          Having a power-only cable removes that as a possibility.

          • mitchty@lemmy.sdf.org
            link
            fedilink
            English
            arrow-up
            17
            ·
            2 months ago

            Still gotta worry about stuff that could send a ton of current to fry the ports too. USB condoms can help here too but your own power adapter is best.

      • daniskarma@lemmy.dbzer0.com
        link
        fedilink
        English
        arrow-up
        30
        ·
        2 months ago

        Now if only usb cables were labeled like Ethernet cables.

        It amazes me how given the complexity of the USB specifications, where everything looks the same but it is not the same, nothing is ever labeled.

        • seaQueue@lemmy.world
          link
          fedilink
          English
          arrow-up
          11
          ·
          2 months ago

          Some things are but the labelling is stupid and tiny. Many laptop ports are labeled but people aren’t familiar with the icons (and the icons are often confusingly similar)

      • shinratdr@lemmy.ca
        link
        fedilink
        English
        arrow-up
        15
        ·
        2 months ago

        A power only USB-C cable is a violation of USB spec, has to be USB 2.0 at the least.

      • Eiri@lemmy.ca
        link
        fedilink
        English
        arrow-up
        8
        ·
        2 months ago

        With this arrangement, they probably can’t steal your data. But they can absolutely destroy your phone with a string electric shock, if that’s the sort of malicious plan they have.

        • PJBA
          link
          fedilink
          English
          arrow-up
          1
          ·
          2 months ago

          I get that it’d probably be harder and involve a lot more electronics, but now I’m wondering if sending a power surge through a regular 120/240V power socket could damage a phone being charged through a charger.

      • aulin@lemmy.world
        link
        fedilink
        English
        arrow-up
        2
        ·
        2 months ago

        Not really bad if you use a power-only cable.

        Or a USB condom. But I never really hear about those anymore.

      • myplacedk@lemmy.world
        link
        fedilink
        English
        arrow-up
        15
        ·
        2 months ago

        But I have seen multiple phones get harmed by a really bad charger. Although these chargers were not for public use.

        Still, it’s not a bad idea to bring a power bank. And then charge that, if you need to.

    • li10@feddit.uk
      link
      fedilink
      English
      arrow-up
      20
      arrow-down
      15
      ·
      2 months ago

      So’s leaving the house.

      Stay in, bolt the doors, board up the windows, stay safe.