The one USB cable that could replace every other

Not all USB Type-C cables are created equal.

After it was discovered that many USB Type-C cables could potentially damage devices, Amazon issued a ban on cables that didn't meet the USB Implementers Forum Inc.'s specifications.

At the Intel Developer Forum in Shenzhen, China, the USB-IF took another step to protect users. The USB-IF announced USB Type-C Authentication, a new specification designed to help protect devices from noncompliant USC Type-C cables and chargers.

With the new spec, USB Type-C-equipped devices can use 128-bit encryption to verify if a USB Type-C cable, charger or accessory has been certified or not.

USB Type-C accessories that don't meet the authentication standard would be flagged and basically cut off — prevented from supplying power or allowed to transmit data.

If you think this means you should wait until the new spec before buying a USB-C device, not to worry: A software or firmware update could be pushed out to existing USB Type-C devices, giving them the new authentication check. 

The downside to this is USB Type-C accessories that aren't certified with the new standard and can't be updated with a firmware update would become useless. But it's better to buy a new cable than have an unsafe one break your device.

If you need any IT help or advice, contact The Computer Guyz in Cape Town or Centurion right now!