iOS 26 Adds a Simple but Powerful Defense Against “Juice Jacking”

Apple’s latest iOS 26 update slips in a quiet security feature that tackles a real-world threat: juice jacking. That’s when someone uses a seemingly harmless charging port to secretly access your phone’s data. The idea has circulated in security circles for years, but Apple’s answer this time is both elegant and firm.

Instead of letting accessories talk to your iPhone without question, the new update inserts a deliberate pause. When you plug a new USB-C accessory into your device, iOS 26 now stops and asks whether you want to allow data access. If you choose “Don’t Allow,” the device will still charge—but the data line stays closed. No silent handshakes. No hidden transfers. Just power.

The protection goes a step further when your phone is locked. iOS 26 blocks data access by default until you unlock the device and explicitly approve the accessory. This ensures that even a quick stop at a public charging kiosk doesn’t quietly expose your data.

This extra step may feel subtle, but the reason behind it is anything but. Over the last decade, several government and security bodies have raised concerns about compromised public charging stations. The U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has published guidance warning that malware can theoretically be loaded onto public USB ports to compromise devices, though it admits there are no confirmed incidents to date. The U.S. Army Cyber Command released a fact sheet outlining how malicious charging stations might exfiltrate data and advising travelers to avoid public ports altogether. And more recently, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) issued public warnings encouraging air travelers to use their own chargers or portable power banks rather than airport USB kiosks. These aren’t panic headlines—they’re official advisories built on the recognition that the attack vector is real, even if confirmed cases are scarce.

The absence of publicized incidents from airlines or airports doesn’t mean the risk is zero. If a breach occurred, it might go undetected or be treated as a confidential security issue. And with modern operating systems requiring explicit USB permissions, mass attacks are harder than early warnings implied. Still, agencies see enough theoretical and lab-demonstrated risk to recommend caution.

Beyond the new prompt, Apple is encouraging safer charging habits. The update includes battery tips that make it easier to keep your device powered without leaning on questionable public ports. Portable power banks and MagSafe accessories give users options to charge securely on their own terms.

None of this arrives with splashy marketing or a big stage announcement. It’s a quiet, strategic shift that reflects Apple’s broader security approach: give the user the final say. In a world where charging can mean exposure, iOS 26 turns what used to be a passive moment into an intentional choice—reinforced by the kind of security guidance that’s been coming from agencies for years.

Another site we follow, GetUSB.info is hinting at some new technology which will replace the USB Write Protect Switch found in some legacy USB sticks.

Back in 2008, when USB flash drives first really started coming onto the tech scene- many nerds and professionals relied on the physical write-protect switches to make the drives read-only. These switches offered a simple way to prevent file tampering and data corruption. However, their time may be coming to an end.

Word from industry sources points to a prominent USB tech company in SoCal preparing to launch a next-generation flash drive that eliminates the need for a physical switch entirely. Early information suggests the new device leverages firmware-level control to enforce a default read-only mode — removing the risk of accidental toggles or user error.

What’s more, the drive is reportedly password-protected, reverts to read-only upon unplugging, and allows for scripting capabilities ideal for bulk deployment. These features make it especially appealing for use in sectors like healthcare, government, and industrial operations, where data integrity is non-negotiable.

Rather than a mere update, this device appears to represent a complete overhaul of write-protection strategies for USB storage in 2025. An official release is anticipated soon, potentially within the coming days.

With this innovation, the era of the physical write-protect switch is fading — ushering in a more secure and automated standard for portable data protection.

**Editor’s note:** Once GetUSB.info updates their content, we will update here as well.

Review: USB-C cable tester by BLE caberQU

USB-C has firmly established itself as the universal connector standard, integrating data transfer, power delivery, and video output into a single interface. With so many cables on the market, knowing which ones truly deliver on their promises can be challenging. That’s where the BLE caberQU comes in, a great USB-C cable tester that provide all the details one would need.

We can break down the need to test USB-C cables into five categories; and it’s worth noting if you are going to spend good money on a device, monitor or other peripheral, isn’t it worth a bit effort to make sure the cable connecting it all works at the highest level?

The most important factor to consider is USB-C data transfer speed. Different USB-C cables can transfer data at different speeds. For instance, some are USB 2.0 (480 Mbps), while others might support USB 3.1 or USB 3.2, which can go up to 10 or 20 Gbps. Testing the cables makes sure you’re getting the right speed, especially when dealing with large files or using external drives.

The BLE caberQU performs great in its main functions. It provides a dependable way to test USB-C cables for data speed, charging power, and overall condition. The LED indicators give a clear and quick visual of the cable’s pin connections, making testing easier. The LCD screen goes further by showing detailed information about the data speed of the cable being tested.

The second most important category is Compatibility. Not all USB-C cables are created equally. Some might not be compatible with high-speed protocols like Thunderbolt 3 or 4, which can impact both data transfer rates and compatibility with devices like monitors or docks. The BLE caberQU provides a systematic way to determine the true connectivity protocol of the cable. Although some cables may give false positive results, it is recommended to test the cable multiple times for Compatibility to insure the BLE caberQU reports the correct value.

Micron has introduced two new tech products: a tiny flash storage device for phones and a big memory chip for Nvidia GPUs. Micron, which makes and sells SSDs, created a flash chip that’s super small but packs a punch. It’s like a supercharged version of the standard UFS 4.0 device, only about the size of a fingernail (9 x 13 mm). This tiny chip can hold up to 1 TB of data using Micron’s fancy 3D NAND technology. It’s super speedy, reading and writing data much faster than older models. This means your smartphone apps can load quicker and run smoother. Plus, it can be used in cars too. Mark Montierth, from Micron, said their new chip is all about making smartphones faster and more efficient. With this new technology, your phone can handle fancy AI apps much quicker, making chatting with bots smoother. The new chip also comes with some cool new features:

1. High-Performance Mode (HPM): This makes sure your phone runs smoothly even when you’re doing a lot at once.
2. One Button Refresh (OBR): This helps keep your phone clean and running like new.
3. Zoned UFS (ZUFS): This helps your phone’s storage last longer by managing data better.

Micron is already sending out samples of their new chip, which comes in different sizes. And guess what? Big phone companies like HONOR and Samsung are already using Micron’s new tech in their latest smartphones.

In the dramatic style of online media pumping the RSS feeds with USB juice jacking end of days, consider this satirical word salad.

The domain of USB juice jacking unfurls its potentially ugly head with an available open socket in the dark corner of an airport corridor. Both consumers and enterprise travels could run the high risk of an orchestrated series of pragmatic events leading to the downfall of one’s sanctuary… or could it? The bedrock principle here is that USB juice jacking grievous – but the true question, is it? Or is this all just media hype?

Consider these avenues to preserve the sanctity of your data and the haven of your device:

The Portable Paragon: Opting for a portable charger takes the sting out of the juice jacking quandary. By sidestepping public charging stations, you effectively dodge the peril. Anticipating the untimely depletion of batteries, especially during journeys, beckons the wisdom of an emergency charging repository. A small caveat: ensure this fortress is adequately fortified prior to your ventures, and that its compatible conduits stand ready.

The Cord-And-Plug Ballet: If the portable charger is but a distant memory, there’s a dance of cords and plugs that could spare you the dance with danger. Brandishing your personal USB cable and trusty outlet plug allows you to plug into a wall socket, rendering the jeopardy null. When sockets prove elusive, your own USB cord at a public station unfurls as an emergent bastion.

Taming the Data Hydrant: Enter the esoteric inner workings of USB cables, and you’ll uncover a binary nature – a power-bearing filament and a data-carrying cousin. The crux of juice jacking unravels through the latter. Presenting a savior: a USB cable that forsakes data aspirations. This averts the artifice. But do heed the fine print: scenarios beckon where data-hungry cables are indispensable – such as shuttle duties to the cloud. Be prepared for a multiplicity of cords and the vigilance to discern their roles.

Sentinel of Data: The data blocker, a digital sentinel of sorts, takes its stance here. It forms an impervious bulwark between your cord and the dubious charging station. A strategic interlude that both the cord and the data pins traverse. These wards negate the data transmission, while the coursing power remains uninterrupted. Similar to their data-agnostic counterparts, they preclude the ingress of malware and data subversion.

Mistrusting the Digital: “Trust” and “share data,” an innocent query from your device as you court a public charger. Swiftly recoil. Apple’s devices, astutely attuned to data traffic, wave a flag of caution. This prompts a swift retreat when encountered. Such a message signals an imposter and hints at the lurking specter of juice jacking.

The Ordeal of Juice Jacking in the Corporate Landscape

The saga of USB juice jacking, while impactful on personal devices, weaves a more perilous tapestry within corporate enclaves. Envision the cataclysm: a sprawling data breach, gestating within the confines of a juice jacking event. A corporate warrior connects their laboring device to a public charger, unwittingly offering a foothold. In an instant, cyber marauders could storm the ramparts of the employee’s corporate realm.

For the prudent corporation, a trinity of strategies beckons:

Enlighten the Digital Denizens: Infuse your workforce with the intricacies of juice jacking. Cultivate a cybersecurity ethos, emboldened by informed choices in the face of electronic deceit.

Outfitting the Expeditionary: Equip your corporate wanderers with data blockers – their digital exoskeletons against the lurking threats of public charging.

The Clarion Call of Vigilance: If suspicions of malware assail employees in the embrace of a public charging portal, mandate the clarion call for reporting. Swift response translates to remote data purging, a bulwark against further inroads into corporate dominion and the treacherous terrain of data breaches. Inculcate an understanding of the virtue of vigilance, even in the face of policy breaches, to circumvent further havoc.

In the quest to comprehend juice jacking, one often veers to extremes: a hyperawareness that presumes its omnipresence or a dismissive attitude that fuels complacency. Opting for the middle path, however, stands as the beacon of wisdom. Acknowledge the potential and attendant risks, and embrace a precautionary stance. Thus ensues a realm where both you and your workforce can replenish your devices without courting catastrophe.

We recently came across a report from GetUSB.info discussing a new breed of USB flash drive in development by a tech group based in Southern California. What makes this drive unique? It presents itself as a Local Disk instead of removable media — a small but powerful distinction with major implications.

Why does Local Disk mode matter?

Unlike standard USB drives that identify as removable storage, this hardware uses a controller-level configuration to mount as a Fixed Disk. That behavior is consistent across Windows, macOS, and Linux, and is not dependent on software or drivers. For developers and IT professionals, this means improved compatibility with tools that expect a native hard drive environment.

From what we’ve gathered, early testers have pointed out benefits for Windows To Go installations, disk imaging workflows, and locked-down enterprise deployments. Because the OS sees the drive as a hard disk, software that typically blocks USB installs can now proceed without registry tweaks or mounting hacks.

Built with integration in mind

Details emerging from the project indicate that the drives will support USB 2.0 and 3.0 standards, come in multiple case designs, and meet global compliance marks (FCC, CE, RoHS, and UL). Initial models start at 2GB, with custom configurations available for evaluators and system integrators looking to test this fixed-disk approach.

This looks like a welcome solution to a known frustration in the USB space: making a flash drive behave like a permanent part of the system. Instead of clunky workarounds, it’s a plug-and-go experience — built on hardware-level changes, not software patches.

More details are expected once the manufacturer finalizes their specs. Stay tuned.

UPDATE: We’ll include a link to the full product spec sheet as soon as it’s released.

Trump Tariff Hurts USB Flash Drive Market

Yes, there is a tariff on USB flash drives coming from China.

Two tariffs have been assigned to the USB flash drive category when importing product from China since 2020:

• February of 2020 — a 7.5% tariff was enacted by Trump
• January of 2025 — a 10.0% tariff was enacted by Trump

The total tariff amount is currently 17.5% for all USB flash drives imported from China into the United States.

Many economists argue tariffs are harmful to the U.S. economy because they raise costs for consumers and businesses while disrupting global trade. U.S. manufacturers rely heavily on imported semiconductors, steel, and electronic parts. When input costs rise, American companies lose competitiveness, jobs are threatened, and growth slows.

Is this bad? Mostly YES and a little no.

Yes — because a tariff functions as a tax. No matter how you spin it, the cost is passed down to the consumer.

No — because tariffs are designed to reduce the trade deficit by nudging U.S. suppliers to manufacture locally. But in reality, this “reshoring” rarely works in industries with globalized supply chains.

Retaliation is another risk. China, or other partners, can respond with tariffs of their own, hurting U.S. exporters. The cycle becomes less about strategy and more about political chest-thumping.

For example, no major players — Kingston, Western Digital, Nexcopy, or Micron — manufacture flash memory in the United States. All rely on contract factories abroad. Even if final assembly happened in the U.S., NAND memory (85% of the bill of materials) would still need to be imported. In practice, it’s cheaper to pay the tariff than to rebuild the entire supply chain domestically.

Tariffs: An Old Playbook

Tariffs have been around for centuries as a blunt tool to raise revenue and protect domestic industries. But global trade has moved on. Free trade agreements and rules enforced by groups like the WTO have proven more effective for long-term growth. The Trump 2025 administration’s reliance on broad tariffs underscores a lack of modern trade strategy, leaving U.S. consumers holding the bill.

What can you do?

Not much. No U.S. factory is producing USB flash drives, and shipping through third countries like Mexico or Taiwan costs more than paying the tariff. Consumers can’t “game” the system because U.S. Customs enforces thresholds aggressively.

A couple notes:

• Shipments valued under $800 are exempt from tariffs
• But $800 is too small for manufacturers to realistically benefit
• The Harmonization Code for USB Flash Memory is 8523.51.00.00

U.S. flash drive sales are estimated at $5.47 billion for 2024. Even if the U.S. market was just 1% of that figure, the sheer volume makes “under $800 shipments” impractical. Customs would catch on quickly to any attempt at breaking orders down.

Bottom line: tariffs on USB flash drives are here, and they hit end-users hardest. The only real way forward is through better trade policy and electing leaders who understand how to negotiate deals without defaulting to tariffs.

This original article was posted on the English GetUSB.info website at: Is There a Tariff on USB Flash Drives?

Micron Technology, a leading memory-chip manufacturer, exceeded expectations in its fiscal second quarter and surprised investors with a profitable performance. The company’s strong results were buoyed by increased sales in artificial-intelligence infrastructure, propelling its stock upward.

Based in Boise, Idaho, Micron reported adjusted earnings of 42 cents per share on revenue of $5.82 billion for the quarter ending Feb. 29. This outperformed analysts’ projections, who anticipated a loss of 25 cents per share on revenue of $5.35 billion. In comparison, during the same period last year, Micron faced an adjusted loss of $1.91 per share on $3.69 billion in revenue.

Looking ahead, Micron provided optimistic guidance for the current quarter, projecting adjusted earnings of 45 cents per share on revenue reaching $6.6 billion. This forecast surpassed analysts’ expectations of 9 cents per share earnings on $6 billion in revenue for the fiscal third quarter. In the corresponding period last year, Micron reported an adjusted loss of $1.43 per share on revenue totaling $3.75 billion.

Despite facing five consecutive quarters of losses due to market fluctuations, Micron’s latest performance indicates a positive turn.

Following the earnings report, Micron’s stock surged over 13% in after-hours trading, reaching $108.90. In regular trading on Wednesday, it rose 2.4% to close at $96.25.

Micron’s CEO, Sanjay Mehrotra, attributed the strong results to the team’s effective strategies in pricing, products, and operations. He expressed confidence in the company’s product lineup and anticipated a robust second half of 2024, particularly emphasizing Micron’s position to benefit from the artificial-intelligence trend in the semiconductor industry.

The company’s stock has been on an upward trajectory this year amid hopes for a recovery in the memory-chip market, with a 65% increase over the past 12 months. Several Wall Street firms raised their price targets for Micron stock in anticipation of its earnings report, reflecting positive sentiment in the market.

Moreover, Micron is expected to capitalize on the growing demand for AI infrastructure spending, leveraging its high-bandwidth memory chips like HBM3e products. Competing with industry giants like Samsung and SK Hynix, Micron remains well-positioned to cater to data center needs with its advanced memory solutions.

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Micron (MU) concluded the latest trading session at $70.85, representing a 0.77% increase compared to the previous day’s closing price. This performance surpassed the S&P 500’s marginal daily gain of 0.12%. In contrast, the Dow experienced a 0.2% decline, while the Nasdaq, which is heavily focused on technology, recorded a gain of 0.29%.

Leading up to today’s trading session, the chipmaker’s shares had surged by an impressive 7.62% over the past month. This substantial gain outpaces the Computer and Technology sector’s 2.32% increase and the S&P 500’s modest 0.09% rise during the same period.

Investors on Wall Street are keenly anticipating Micron’s upcoming earnings report, scheduled for September 27, 2023. Projections indicate an expected EPS of -$1.19, reflecting a substantial 182.07% decrease compared to the previous year’s quarter. Additionally, the latest consensus estimate foresees revenue of $3.91 billion, marking a notable 41.2% drop compared to the prior-year quarter.

It’s crucial for investors to take note of any recent modifications in analyst forecasts for Micron. These revisions often provide insights into the company’s near-term business prospects. Positive adjustments in estimates are generally viewed as favorable indicators for the company’s future performance.

Our research underscores the correlation between these estimate changes and short-term stock price movements. To capitalize on this relationship, we developed the Zacks Rank, a rating model that accounts for these estimate fluctuations and offers actionable insights.

The Zacks Rank system spans from #1 (Strong Buy) to #5 (Strong Sell), boasting an impressive, independently audited track record of success, with #1-rated stocks delivering an average annual return of +25% since 1988. Over the past month, the Zacks Consensus EPS estimate for Micron has remained unchanged, resulting in a current Zacks Rank of #3 (Hold).

The Semiconductor Memory industry falls within the Computer and Technology sector, and it holds a respectable Zacks Industry Rank of 112. This places it in the upper 45% of all 250+ industries analyzed by our research. The Zacks Industry Rank serves as a measure of industry group strength, determined by the average Zacks Rank of individual stocks within the sector. Our findings indicate that top-rated industries outperform the bottom half by a factor of 2 to 1.

Western Digital is not answering questions about their failed SSD drives because they don’t know exactly where the problem lies. The three main components for any SSD drive will be the PCB board, the on-board chipset that controls the flow of information between the host PC and the memory and of course, the NAND memory itself. If we break this down a bit more, we might find out what the reason is.

Background (PCB, USB Controller, NAND Memory)

The PCB board

Printed Circuit Boards, or PCBs, play a vital role in modern electronics. They are like the backbone of electronic devices, providing a platform for components to be connected, organized, and powered. Let’s break down their value, design process, testing, and impact on soldered components.

Value of PCBs:
A PCB serves as a foundation for electronic components to work together. It’s like a puzzle board with electrical pathways etched onto it, allowing components like resistors, capacitors, microchips, and more to communicate and function properly. Without PCBs, it would be incredibly difficult and messy to manually connect all these components together.

Designing PCBs:
The process of designing a PCB involves several steps:

Schematic Design:
Engineers create a schematic diagram, which is like a blueprint showing how components are connected. This helps plan the layout of the PCB.

PCB Layout:
Using specialized software, the engineer arranges components on the PCB, considering factors like size, heat dissipation, and signal integrity. This layout involves placing components and drawing the electrical pathways (traces) that connect them.

Routing:
This step involves deciding the exact paths for the traces to minimize interference and ensure efficient operation. High-speed components may require careful consideration to maintain signal quality.

Layers:
PCBs often have multiple layers, allowing for more complex designs. Each layer can carry different traces, making the most of the available space.

Components:
Once the layout is finalized, components are attached to the PCB using soldering techniques. Surface Mount Technology (SMT) and Through-Hole Technology (THT) are commonly used methods.

Testing PCBs:
Testing ensures that the PCB functions as intended and helps catch any errors before mass production. There are a few ways to test PCBs:

Visual Inspection:
Engineers visually check for any obvious issues such as soldering defects or incorrect component placement.

Continuity Testing:
This involves checking if the expected electrical connections exist between components and traces. Multimeters can help with this.

Functional Testing:
PCBs are powered up, and their performance is checked to ensure that all components are working as expected. This can involve running specific test programs or performing specific tasks to evaluate functionality.

Impact on Soldered Components:
Components soldered to a PCB are connected to it through solder joints. These joints are vital for the proper functioning of the device. The quality of soldering affects the overall reliability and performance of the PCB. Poor soldering can lead to bad connections, signal interruptions, and even complete device failure.

PCBs are crucial for modern electronics as they provide a structured platform for components to work together. Their design involves careful planning, layout, and routing of components and traces. Testing ensures proper functionality, and the quality of soldered components directly impacts the overall reliability and performance of the PCB and the device it’s a part of.

USB Controller

Let’s dive into USB controllers and their role in solid-state hard drives (SSDs) and flash drives.