The YubiKey 5C NFC remains an invaluable part of my defense against hacking.
Adrian Kingsley Hughes/ZDNET
No matter how good you are, security failures await you around every corner.
Drop the unencrypted flash drive (this is Easy-to-use encrypted drive), plugging it into the wrong outlet for fast charging, or clicking on a phishing link in a spam email can get you into a world of trouble without realizing it.
There's only one mistake. And no one is infallible.
Related article: 5 easy steps to protect your smartphone from hackers
Security at home or office is important, but the real danger comes when you're out and about.
The best way to stay safe I've found is to carry a few things with you that protect you from hackers and attacks. These are simple tools, so even if you buy them all, they will cost you less than $200.
1.USB data blocker
What does a USB data blocker do?
Prevents unnecessary data transfer from charging devices. It basically shuts off the data side and allows power to flow only to the device.
why do you need it?
How do I know if the cable or charger I'm using is trustworthy? Hackers can use modified hardware to hack your device and steal data or infect your device with malware. There is a gender.
Think you can find malicious hardware? Think again!
Look at the white cable in this little photo. Looks innocent, right? it's not!it is Hak5 O.MG cablewhich can be used to attack smartphones, tablets, laptops, and desktop systems.
Your only chance of finding something like this is malicious cable detector.
O.MG Malicious Cable Detector says this cable is suspicious.
Adrian Kingsley Hughes/ZDNET
Rather than checking all the cables that connect your device, connecting through a data blocker creates a safe air gap between you and malicious devices such as O.MG cables. If you use a charger or cable when you're on the go, we highly recommend using a data blocker to protect your device.
The disadvantage of USB data blockers is that they block fast charging because the fast charging protocol communicates data to negotiate the optimal charging speed. Still, I'd rather delay charging than get hacked.
You can get a data blocker by USB-A, USB-A to USB-Cand USB-C.
2.USB security key
What does a USB security key do?
A USB security key is a device that allows websites and apps to verify that you are who you say you are, creating an additional line of defense between hackers and your data. Think of it as a physical password that you connect (or tap – some security keys also utilize NFC) to your device to gain access. What I recommend is: Ubikey.
Also: WIt's your Apple ID security key, but why is it important?
why do you need it?
Add an extra line of defense to your online accounts. Even if a hacker gains access to your username and password, they will need a USB security key to compromise your account.
Passwords can be compromised, but USB security keys cannot.
3. Hardware-based encryption USB flash drive
What does a hardware-based encrypted USB flash drive do?
This protects your data using advanced encryption. The encryption is hardware-based, so you know that the data stored on your drive is always encrypted.
Also: How to unlock the true power of the Flipper Zero hacking tool
why do you need it?
If you need to take your data with you, using a hardware-based encrypted USB flash drive means your data is always fully protected. This means that if you lose your USB flash drive, you can rest assured that the data stored on the drive will be locked away forever, even though the cost of the drive is lower.
If you're really paranoid, you can also set up your USB flash drive as follows: Apricone Aegis To erase data after 10 incorrect passcode attempts, follow the steps above.
