• halcyoncmdr@lemmy.world
    link
    fedilink
    English
    arrow-up
    89
    arrow-down
    4
    ·
    3 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
      69
      arrow-down
      1
      ·
      3 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
        62
        ·
        3 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
          ·
          3 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
      ·
      3 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
        ·
        3 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
      ·
      3 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
      ·
      3 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.

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

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

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