The USBType-C design security specification not only regulates the safety of charging design, but also prevents attacks based on the USB transmission protocol to prevent external malicious attacks from tampering with computer data and implanting backdoors through USB.

Regarding the safety of USB Type-C (USB-C), USB-IF earlier announced a certification plan for USB Type-C design to standardize the use of chargers and devices designed in USB Type-C format. Safety, which includes design standards for chargers, connecting cables, power transmission, etc., and also adds design certification to eliminate the risk of USB malicious attacks.

In view of the fact that USB Type-C itself includes a design that provides up to 100W charging power in the form of PD (Power Delivery), if the materials used in the charger, device or cable itself do not meet the requirements, there will be overcharge and burnout, or it will be damaged. This can cause excessive voltage load and cause accidents when using the device. Therefore, the USB-IF began planning USB Type-C design safety specifications a few years ago and announced them before CES2019.

In addition to regulating the safety of charging design, USB-IF also prevents attacks based on USB transmission protocols to prevent external malicious attacks from tampering with computer data, implanting backdoors, or recording operating behaviors through USB , perform remote operations, and even infect computers as a springboard for attacks. It is expected to avoid such attacks through identity verification measures.

Through the verification mechanism, the new USB Type-C design devices will confirm with each other whether they meet the design specifications before starting to charge. Otherwise, they will not be able to be used normally. At the same time, encryption and verification mechanisms will also be used to avoid External attacks.

USB-IF currently proposes a new version of USBType-C design outline specifications as follows: Verifiable transmission protocols for certified USBType-C design chargers, devices, cables and power transmission modes Standard supports authentication through USB data transmission and PD connection channel. Devices that support authentication can carry out security protection measures. Supports 128-bit encryption security technology compatible with current international authentication formats, digital signatures, or encryption technology based on hashing or random generation.

At the same time, USB-IF also announced that it will cooperate with DigiCert for certification matters and is expected to start accepting certification applications this year.