The Under $10 Travel Gadget Amazon Buyers Say Is A Must-Have

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Public USB charging ports are everywhere: the airport, the plane, train stations, and hotels. Most of us don't think twice about plugging in when our phone's low on battery. But both the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and FBI warn against using public USB ports, which could double as a doorway straight into your device, allowing bad actors to skim your data while you charge. Luckily, there's a cheap gadget you can buy on Amazon that eliminates the risk and allows you to charge your device safely: a USB-C Data Blocker.

Available as a four-pack for under $10, the data blocker protects against what's often called "juice jacking." That means stealing your data or installing malware onto your phone while you charge at a public USB port. To prevent that from happening, you can plug the data blocker between your charging cable and the USB port, and it'll allow power to flow while blocking data transfer. The blocker works with Android and iOS devices for all USB-C charging ports.

Amazon buyers love these little plugs, with happy customers claiming they're "a must for air travelers," an "excellent travel accessory", and insisting "EVERYONE needs these." Many praise the compact adapters for their ease of use and mention employing them all over the place, from airports to coffee shops to rental cars. More importantly, reviews say they do what they promise: phones charge normally, but there's no data transfer, meaning they're protected from hackers. The USB-C Data Blocker is one small, simple addition to your general packing list.

Our first tip is to bring along a portable charger when traveling. These small power banks allow you to charge your phone on the go and avoid using public USB ports altogether. They're also handy to have on airplanes, as you won't always get a seat with a charging outlet. Southwest is currently upgrading its planes to add them, but even when ports and sockets exist, they're not always reliable. A power bank solves the panic of getting to your seat and finding you still can't charge your device. Just remember to pack it in your carry-on luggage, as TSA does not permit them in checked bags. And you can't get to them if they're tucked away in your suitcase, obviously!

Our second piece of advice for keeping your tech secure on trips is to avoid using public WiFi networks. These networks are usually not secure, and risks include data and identity theft, and having malware installed on your device. Using a VPN will help protect you, though it's still best to avoid entering passwords to your accounts while on an open network.

If you need to access your emails, bank accounts, and so on while you're away, pick up a local SIM card. Not only can a local SIM save you hundreds of dollars, but it can also keep you safer. An eSIM will do the same job if your phone is compatible. Buy one with enough data, and you won't need to rely on public WiFi at all. Between your local SIM, power bank, and USB data blocker, you'll be set up to use your devices with less risk.