USB-C is coming along and a lot of nice things are being said about the technology, but there hasn’t been a ton of verification and certification, especially among cheaper cables.
This may change soon.
Under its new program, the USB Implementers Forum will test and certify USB-C cables, chargers, and other devices. End-user products — such as computers and mobile phones — will be able to cryptographically verify that the cable or charger to which it is connected has been certified and has not been tampered with.
In recent years, consumers have faced a plethora of cheaper but faulty power adapters, miswired cables that can short out connected electronics, and even cables that install malware or conduct man-in-the-middle attacks on peripherals or devices.
Businesses, in turn, face malware-laced flash drives, the threat pushing some of them to banning USB devices entirely at various offices.
Under the new program, devices could be configured to only allow connection to or draw power from certified USB-C cables and chargers. Businesses could go a step further, limiting connections to specific models.
If nothing else, this represents a governing body to a new technology.
Stay tuned for additional details as they become available.
Via AppleInsider