this post was submitted on 10 Mar 2026
46 points (100.0% liked)

Privacy

47048 readers
1199 users here now

A place to discuss privacy and freedom in the digital world.

Privacy has become a very important issue in modern society, with companies and governments constantly abusing their power, more and more people are waking up to the importance of digital privacy.

In this community everyone is welcome to post links and discuss topics related to privacy.

Some Rules

Related communities

much thanks to @gary_host_laptop for the logo design :)

founded 6 years ago
MODERATORS
 

...by physically removing a port (who would do that) or using the software?

top 20 comments
sorted by: hot top controversial new old
[–] NewNewAugustEast@lemmy.zip 1 points 3 hours ago

Windows? Why bother.

[–] DieserTypMatthias@lemmy.ml 2 points 6 hours ago

GrapheneOS allows you to disable it. I just charge mine wirelessly, though if the charger supports MagSafe, then you'll need to buy a MagSafe case for your Pixel, since built-in magnets are waaay too weak.

[–] FreddiesLantern@leminal.space 8 points 11 hours ago

Shouldn’t you rather protect your usb ports from Windows?

(Kidding,… or am I?)

[–] ParlimentOfDoom@piefed.zip 51 points 22 hours ago

Yes. It's inside my house where no one else can get to it.

[–] RodgeGrabTheCat@sh.itjust.works 19 points 23 hours ago (2 children)

I have the port set to "Charge only when locked". I never use public charging stations.

[–] JustEnoughDucks@slrpnk.net 6 points 16 hours ago

Sony, in their infinite wisdom, defaults full data without the ability to choose a default, you can only deny upon plugging it in and it will eventually revert back to full data anyway

[–] Ferrous@lemmy.ml 3 points 21 hours ago

This is the best strategy.

However, if you ever knew youd NEED to use public charging, check out USB condom adapters. They open circuit the data pins.

[–] chemicalwonka@discuss.tchncs.de 13 points 22 hours ago (1 children)

You cant protect yourself from Microsoft that is the biggest threat

[–] ell1e@leminal.space 4 points 12 hours ago (1 children)

I agree. Kind of would seem more useful to have such a UI on Linux.

[–] ATS1312@lemmy.dbzer0.com 3 points 7 hours ago

USBGuard was on Linux first.

[–] ell1e@leminal.space 1 points 12 hours ago (2 children)

Is there a similar program for Linux?

[–] SurpriseWaterfall@sopuli.xyz 8 points 11 hours ago (1 children)

Linux has USBGuard and is likely in your distro's repos. It operates the same way with having rules on which usb devices to allow

[–] MonkderVierte@lemmy.zip 8 points 10 hours ago

So, uh, a udev GUI?

[–] xvertigox@lemmy.world 1 points 12 hours ago (1 children)

When I plug a USB device in on KDE I get prompted to see if I want to mount it or not.

[–] hexagonwin@lemmy.today 4 points 12 hours ago

the usb device is auto detected and activated, it's just asking you to mount if it happens to be a storage device

[–] BCsven@lemmy.ca 5 points 23 hours ago* (last edited 23 hours ago) (1 children)

The software locks out the auto discover and auto config of attached devices, unless they are in an allow list.

Same like some android phone models where you can turn off USB port to protect your phone from being infiltrated.

I did work at a place that filled the USB ports with HotGlue to stop workers loading movies on the computers on night shift

[–] MonkderVierte@lemmy.zip 2 points 10 hours ago (1 children)

to stop workers loading movies on the computers on night shift

Lol, did it work?

[–] BCsven@lemmy.ca 2 points 4 hours ago

Yes because the keyboard and mouse were via the serial PS connectors, but the IT dudes could have just opened the case and unplugged the USB headers instead of permanently filling the slots with glue.

[–] Samsy@lemmy.ml 0 points 17 hours ago (1 children)

Do you protect your USB port?

Sure, I've got my HPV vaccination.

[–] ExcessShiv@lemmy.dbzer0.com 3 points 7 hours ago

What would USB stand for in this? Under Sheets Buddy?