India could mandate USB-C on all smart devices soon! More trouble for Apple? | Tech News

India could mandate USB-C on all smart devices soon! More trouble for Apple?

USB-C port on all smart devices could be mandated in India soon after stakeholders reached a consensus.

By: HT TECH
| Updated on: Nov 17 2022, 11:08 IST
ALERT! Do you use USB devices? Beware! Your Windows computer under threat from Malware
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1/5 Red Canary: cybersecurity researchers have discovered a new malware that spreads to Windows computers through infected USB drives. However as of now, researchers are unaware of how it happens. (REUTERS)
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2/5 According to Tech Radar, the cybersecurity researchers did not name the malware but linked it to the group of malicious actors they call Raspberry Robin. (Pixabay)
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3/5 According to the report by researchers, "While msiexec.exe downloads and executes legitimate installer packages, adversaries also leverage it to deliver malware. Raspberry Robin uses msiexec.exe to attempt external network communication to a malicious domain for C2 purposes." (REUTERS)
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4/5 The malware spreads to new devices via an infected .LNK file. Once someone plugs in the USB drive, the malware runs the infection process via command prompt. (REUTERS)
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5/5 The researchers said, "We also don't know why Raspberry Robin installs a malicious DLL, one hypothesis is that it may be an attempt to establish persistence on an infected system, though additional information is required to build confidence in that hypothesis." (MINT_PRINT)
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The government, however, will be deciding on two common chargers instead of a single one. (Amritanshu / HT Tech)

It was the EU that mandated the presence of USB-C on smart devices and it will be India next to make a similar rule. The Union government had initially set up an inter-ministerial task force to let discussions happen and after a few rounds, it has been agreed upon to mandate USB-C on all smart devices sold in the country. “India will shift to a USB type C charging port for all smart devices after stakeholders reached a consensus at a meeting of an inter-ministerial task force set up by the Union government,” consumer affairs secretary Rohit Kumar Singh said on Wednesday.

“During the meeting, a broad consensus emerged among stakeholders on adoption of USB Type – C as a charging port for electronic devices such as smartphones, tablets and laptops etc. Further, it was deliberated that a different charging port may be adopted for feature phones,” added Singh.

USB-C to be mandated on smart devices

The government, however, will be deciding on two common chargers instead of a single one. It is said that there will be one port for all compatible smart devices and there will be one for low-cost feature phones. The idea is to reduce the generation of e-waste in the country and also help simplify things for consumers.

One of the concerns, according to the report, was also related to the move from the EU. It is said that the EU's mandate for USB-C will lead tech brands to dump obsolete products in India and hence, the country has to counter it.

As of now, no official decision has been taken on what ports will be chosen as the standard ones. “Globally, the shift is pivoted towards USB-C ports, so it would make sense for us to adopt it too. One important point is that the rate of technological obsolescence in the electronic industry is very high and what is in today is out tomorrow,” said Ajay Garg of Electronic Industries Association of India.

Hence, if the USB-C is chosen as the standard port for all smart devices, most Android phone users may not need to worry. USB-C is already a standard port even on most entry-level Android smartphones these days. The only worry will be for Apple that still uses its Lightning port on iPhones and AirPods.

 

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First Published Date: 17 Nov, 10:28 IST
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