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It only takes a second to be hacked or leak important data.

Drop an unencrypted flash drive (here’s an easy-to-use encrypted drive) or plug into the wrong outlet or click on a phishing link in a spam email and you could be in a world of trouble and not even know it.

Also: Flipper Zero: Geeky toy or serious security tool?

While security is important at home and in the office, it’s when you’re out and about that things can really get dangerous.

But fear not — here are three security gadgets that give you an advantage over the hackers out there.

USB data blocker

What does a USB data blocker do?

It protects against unwanted data transfers from your devices while you’re charging them.

Why do you need it?

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How do you know you can trust that cable or charger you’re using? Hackers can use modified hardware to hack your devices and steal data or infect your device with malware.

Think you could spot malicious hardware? Think again!

Take a look at the white cable in this smaller picture. Looks innocent, doesn’t it? It’s not! It’s an O.MG Cable by Hak5, and this can be used to attack smartphones, tablets, laptops, and desktop systems.

Your only chance of spotting something like this is to use a malicious cable detector.

The O.MG Malicious Cable Detector says this cable is suspect.

Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET

Instead of checking all cables you plug your devices into, plugging in via a data blocker puts a safety air gap between you and malicious devices such as the O.MG Cable. I highly recommend using a data blocker if you use chargers and cables when out and about to protect your devices.

You can get data blockers for USB-A, USB-A-to-USB-C, and USB-C.

USB security key

What does USB security key do?

A USB security key is a device that allows websites and apps to confirm that you are indeed you, and it forms an extra line of defense between hackers and your data. Think of it as a physical password that you plug into a device (or tap on it, as some security keys also make use of NFC) to gain access. I recommend a YubiKey.

Also: What is Security Keys for Apple ID and why does it …….