Charge-only USB-C cables provide strong protection against juice-jacking attacks that rely on a USB data connection. By physically omitting the USB data lines, the cable allows charging while preventing normal USB data transfer between your device and the connected USB port.
How Does a Charge-Only USB-C Cable Protect Against Juice Jacking?
Juice jacking refers to attacks in which a malicious or compromised USB charging port attempts to access data or interact with a connected device through the USB data connection.
A charge-only USB-C cable removes that data pathway while still allowing the connected device to receive power.
| Feature | Regular USB-C Cable | Charge-Only USB-C Cable |
|---|---|---|
| Data Transfer | Yes | No |
| Charging Power | Yes | Yes |
| USB Data Connection | Available | Blocked |
Plugable charge-only USB-C cables physically omit the USB data lines, so a connected USB host has no normal USB data path to the phone, tablet, or laptop being charged.
Plugable offers charge-only USB-C cables in multiple lengths:
USBC-CC1M:
https://plugable.com/products/usbc-cc1m
USBC-CC2M:
https://plugable.com/products/usbc-cc2m
USBC-CCS5X(Five pack):
https://plugable.com/products/usbc-ccs5x
What Else Can I Do to Reduce the Risk?
When charging in airports, hotels, conference centers, or other public locations, consider the following best practices:
- Avoid unknown USB charging ports when using a standard data-capable USB cable.
- Use your own AC power adapter when a standard electrical outlet is available.
- Use a trusted battery pack or power bank.
- Use a charge-only USB-C cable when charging from an untrusted USB port and you don't need a data connection.
The FCC provides additional guidance about juice jacking and public USB charging:
https://www.fcc.gov/juice-jacking-tips-to-avoid-it
For more information about juice jacking and Plugable charge-only USB-C cables:
https://plugable.com/blogs/news/juice-jacking-a-growing-threat-and-how-to-safeguard-your-devices
Applicable To
- USBC-CC1M, USBC-CC2M, USBC-CCS5X
