Warning: The USB port at the public library gave my laptop a virus last Tuesday

Was at the downtown branch on Elm Street charging my laptop while printing some forms. Plugged into the free charging station near the computers. Next day my antivirus flagged 18 malware files. IT guy at work said those public charging ports are basically a data transfer highway. Now I only use my own wall plug. Anyone else get burned by a public USB port?

2 comments

2 Comments

gray_gibson19d ago

Not sure this is a real problem. Most modern laptops block data transfer on charging only ports if you're using a standard charge cable. Sounds like you already had malware on your machine and the library port just happened to be the scapegoat. Antivirus catches 18 files in one scan like that usually means you clicked something dumb days before.

evan_morgan8119d ago

Hang on, you're telling me the library's USB port isn't just a power outlet? I always figured those charging blocks on the tables were basically wall plugs. @gray_gibson so you're saying a cable can decide if it wants to send data or not? I mean, I know some phones do that, but I never thought a laptop could just block it because of the cable. That's wild.