The Under $10 Gadget Amazon Buyers Call A Must-Have To Protect Your Bank Account

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With new scams seemingly appearing every day, it is clear that cybercrime is on the rise. While many scammers target more vulnerable communities, pretty much everyone is susceptible to this threat. In fact, in 2024, there was a 12% increase in the number of reported scam and fraud cases, resulting in Americans losing about $47 billion just to scams and fraud. Even worse, banks may not help you recover money from certain scams, putting the onus on individuals to protect themselves from online criminals. Luckily, protecting your bank accounts and personal information like passwords and your home address is simpler than it sounds, and can easily be done with a tech accessory that costs less than $10.

Known as USB data blockers, these devices are smaller than a quarter but provide a layer of defense against unexpected scammers. They come in handy for travelers, acting as a barrier against juice jacking scams for those needing to charge or connect their phone in a public outlet or computer. In these types of cyberattacks, hackers will often compromise public charging stations or computers. Then, when an individual connects to them, malicious software is downloaded unexpectedly onto their phone and steals their information.

To get the protection of a USB data blocker, you simply insert it into the computer or public charger, then connect your phone to the blocker. With this connection, the data blocker acts as a shield that allows you to charge your phone but disables certain components on your charger designed for exchanging data between your phone and other devices.

While employing this type of protection may seem like overkill for some, it is a simple action that can save you thousands — if not more — that could otherwise be lost through a compromised account. If a hacker gains access to your phone, they can easily collect passwords, bank account details, credit card numbers, and various other sensitive personal data. If they do get your login info, your bank may not be willing to help get your money back, as it may see the transaction as an authorized transfer under these conditions. If your phone holds data that would allow hackers to access any investment accounts you have, those too could be compromised. So, investing in something like an Afterplug USB-C to C Data Blocker on Amazon could make as much of a difference regarding your long-term wealth as it could in your immediate, day-to-day life.