Comment 8: Charging in Public? Is Your Data Secure?

Whether it’s for vacation or work, we’re all increasingly getting out and about. In all our running around though we end up in situations where our phone or tablet starts running out of battery. As somebody who has worked in libraries and universities for awhile I see people doing something that really gets me anxious: they charge their devices on public computers or by using one of those convenient public charging stations. While I’m admittedly a pretty anxious person, this isn’t me overreacting.

USB connectors serve a dual purpose. The first purpose is charging. The other is transporting data. It’s the latter that gets me nervous. When you plug your phone into a public device you are creating an opening for people to steal your data. ‘I understand that when plugging into a computer,’ you’re thinking, ‘but that can’t happen with public charging stations or if I borrow a charger.’ On the off chance you weren’t thinking that, or if you’re strangely positing out loud to the screen you’re staring at, allow me to let you know that you’re wrong.

Very normal looking USB cables can contain technology that can copy your data. This happening can be catastrophic as our phones tend to contain a huge amount of personal, financial, and work data. Imagine that you’re a lawyer and somebody is able to steal confidential files or emails off your phone. Your clients won’t be thrilled, though opposing counsel may. I am trying to scare you, just a bit, but I’m not saying that you can’t charge your phone or tablet on a public device or by borrowing a USB cable. I just want you to protect yourself when you do.

A USB data blocker, sometimes referred to as a USB condom, is a small dongle that protects your device by blocking a USB cable from being able to transport data. They are incredibly cheap and tiny enough that it’s easy to keep on you. Here is a diagram for the visually minded:

Essentially, what is going on here is that the dongle doesn’t allow the data wires to connect. This means you don’t have to worry so much that your data is getting copied while your phone is filling up.

I’ve seen some good and bad USB data blockers out there so, as with anything, do a little bit of research before you buy. Also, if you’re not a fan of keeping track of small things or don’t want to use public charging stations, it’s possible to buy “charge only” USB cables.

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The ABA Rules of Professional Conduct, Model Rule 1.1 Comment 8 requires, “To maintain the requisite knowledge and skill, a lawyer shall keep abreast of changes in the law and its practice, including the benefits and risks associated with relevant technology.” To that end, we have developed this regular series to develop the competence and skills necessary to responsibly choose and use the best technologies for your educational and professional lives. If you have any questions, concerns, or topics you would like to see discussed, please reach out to e.koltonski@csuohio.edu.