Yes. A downloaded AI skill can contain hidden instructions that prompt an AI workflow to misuse information or send it elsewhere. In a demonstration described in a TechInformed interview, Michael Burch showed a customer-service skill that covertly captured customer details and sent them to another address. That example shows a possible risk; it does not establish how common malicious skills are.
How can an AI skill create a security risk?
An AI skill is a reusable package of instructions. What it can do depends not only on its stated purpose but also on the instructions it contains and the actions the surrounding AI workflow permits. A skill used in a customer-service workflow, for example, may have access to customer details. Hidden directions could tell the workflow to collect those details and transmit them to an external address.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Burch, Security Journey’s vice president of AI enablement and acceleration and a senior enlisted cyber network defender for the North Carolina National Guard, described that scenario as a demonstration in his interview with TechInformed. He said: “You wouldn’t know it was even capable of doing that unless you understood what it was allowed to do, and most people just don’t.” The interview was edited for length and clarity.
What the warning does—and does not—establish
The demonstration is a concrete example of how a skill could be abused, not evidence that downloaded AI skills are generally malicious or that a breach occurred. The interview provides no independently published prevalence figure, forensic report, or representative survey on malicious skills.
#1 Best Overall
- 【Combination set】: More affordable, The data blocker combination kit shown in the main image, which can meet your daily use needs, suitable for any mobile phones and electronic devices with USB A and USB C interfaces.
- 【PROTECT YOUR PHONE / TABLET】 : Think about that Traveling or going out in public areas one time when you needed a charge at an airport but were too scared to get juice jacked. That is why we brought this data blocker for you. Charge your device with this powerful USB data blocker without worrying about any hacker getting in your device.
- 【HIGH SPEED CHARGING】: USB defenders are made for blocking the hacker as well as fast charging, The 4th generation design chip can be used for the universal charging standards automatically switch to, Compatible with Various brands of smartphones, ensure compatibility with your device. and charge at up to 2.4 Amps.
- 【to make high quality safety products】:Advance manufacturing process design The metal shell material has multiple safety protection functions such as heat dissipation and fire safety, USB Data Blocker are used by the governments of the USA, Canada, UK and New Zealand as well as 100s of corporations around the world to secure their devices，100% guarantee against hacker attack.
- 【Perfect Compatibility】: We USB-C to USB-C and USB-A to USB-C data blocker ensures seamless data security across all your Type-C tech gadgets including iPhone 15 and 16 series, Galaxy S25 S24 S23 S22 S21 S10, USB-C iPad, Android Tablets, MacBooks, and more
Burch mentions a group of about 300 people who share stories and advice. That is his description of the group, not a count of incidents or a measure of how often malicious skills are found.
How to review a skill before activating it
Burch recommends asking an AI system to explain everything a skill does and flag risky behavior before activation. Treat that as a review aid, not a guarantee: the interview does not establish that an AI explanation will reliably find every harmful instruction.
Rank #2
- The Ultimate Data Guardian: Worried about the risk of mobile phone data leakage or viruses when using public charging stations? A data blocker is an effective way to reduce these risks. By physically blocking data transfer, it helps protect your device from potential spyware or hacking attempts while charging
- Only for Charging: With our USB data blocker, you can charge your device without any risk of data transfer. It allows only the charging function while blocking data transfer and syncing. Your phone will not receive pop ups requesting data transmission
- Fast Charging for USB C Data Blocker: JSAUX USB C Data Blocker adopts PD 3.0/2.0 fast charging technology, supports 100W fast charging (20V/5A), and is also compatible with charging power of 240W/140W/60W/45W/36W/27W/15W, etc. The USB Data Blocker supports up to 2.4A charging. (NOTE: The actual charging speed depends on your device and wall charger.)
- Compact Design for Travel and Daily Use: Small and lightweight for easy carrying in pockets, backpacks, or keychains. Ideal for travelers, commuters, and anyone who frequently uses public charging stations. The transparent casing provides a modern and durable look
- USB & USB C Data Blockers 4 Pack: We offer you two USB Data Blockers and two USB C Data Blockers, compatible with iPhone 18 Pro/18 Pro Max, iPhone Duo, iPhone 17/17e/Air/17 Pro/17 Pro Max, iPhone 16/16 Plus/16 Pro/16 Pro Max, iPhone 15/15 Plus/15 Pro/15 Pro Max, Samsung, iPad, Macbook and other devices. Works with both USB and USB C ports, ideal for safe charging at airports, hotels, and public charging stations
- Check the skill’s actions against its stated purpose. Look for instructions that collect, transform, or transmit data unrelated to the task the skill claims to perform.
- Pay attention to data access. Consider what customer, business, or personal information the workflow can see, and whether the skill needs that access.
- Look for external destinations. Inspect for directions to send information to another address or service, especially when that transfer is not necessary for the skill’s stated function.
- Constrain actions where possible. Prefer workflows in which a person can inspect and limit what the AI is allowed to access or send.
These checks are practical ways to apply Burch’s advice and example; they are not a tested detection method or product certification.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →What organizations should do
Burch argues that organizations should pair AI upskilling with security education for employees who use AI tools. People need to understand what a workflow can access and do, and to recognize when a skill’s instructions or requested actions deserve scrutiny. As he put it: “First, we have to recognize it’s a problem.”
Rank #3
- ✨ Absolutely Safe: Features an internal physical data line cut design, permanently disconnecting the data pins in the USB interface, leaving only the power pathway, effectively eliminating the risk of data leakage.
- ⚡ Fast Charging Without Slowdown:The usb data blocker Adapter supports charging up to 100W and is compatible with multiple fast charging protocols. Charging speed is the same as the original charger, ensuring both safety and efficiency.
- 🔗 Wide Compatibility: Suitable for all devices that use various charging interfaces. Whether it’s iPhone, Android phones, iPad, tablets, Bluetooth headsets, or power banks, just plug and play.
- 👌 Compact and Portable: The lightest model weighs only 2.2g, as compact as a USB drive. Protects safe charging anytime, anywhere.
- 🎯 Plug and Play: No drivers, no apps, no complicated setup required. Simply insert into a public USB port and connect your charging cable to start safe charging.
He also argues that organizations should measure what changes after adopting AI instead of assuming that purchasing access creates value. That is a separate but related discipline: adoption should be assessed by its actual effects, while security education helps employees use AI workflows with greater awareness.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 【2025 upgraded version】BUISAMG's data blocker is constantly pursuing innovation, with products that are smaller and more convenient for you to use and carry, The maximum length of USB A to C and USB C to C data blockers is only 0.82 inches (21mm), Aluminum alloy shell design is more exquisite and durable
- 【Perfect Compatibility】: We USB-A to USB-C data blocker ensures seamless data security across all your Type-C tech gadgets including iPhone 15 and 16 series, Galaxy S25 S24 S23 S22 S21 S10, USB-C iPad, Android Tablets, MacBooks, and more
- 【PROTECT YOUR PHONE / TABLET】 : Think about that Traveling or going out in public areas one time when you needed a charge at an airport but were too scared to get juice jacked. That is why we brought this data blocker for you. Charge your device with this powerful USB data blocker without worrying about any hacker getting in your device.
- 【HIGH SPEED CHARGING】: USB defenders are made for blocking the hacker as well as fast charging, The 4th generation design chip can be used for the universal charging standards automatically switch to, Compatible with Various brands of smartphones, ensure compatibility with your device. and charge at up to 2.4 Amps.
- 【to make high quality safety products】:Advance manufacturing process design The metal shell material has multiple safety protection functions such as heat dissipation and fire safety, USB Data Blocker are used by the governments of the USA, Canada, UK and New Zealand as well as 100s of corporations around the world to secure their devices，100% guarantee against hacker attack.
Rank #4
- 【Combination set】: More affordable, The number of blocker combinations shown in the main image, which can meet your daily use needs, suitable for any mobile phones and electronic devices with USB A and USB C interfaces.
- 【Perfect Compatibility】: We USB-A to USB-C data blocker ensures seamless data security across all your Type-C tech gadgets including iPhone 15 and 16 series, Galaxy S25 S24 S23 S22 S21 S10, USB-C iPad, Android Tablets, MacBooks, and more
- 【PROTECT YOUR PHONE / TABLET】 : Think about that Traveling or going out in public areas one time when you needed a charge at an airport but were too scared to get juice jacked. That is why we brought this data blocker for you. Charge your device with this powerful USB data blocker without worrying about any hacker getting in your device.
- 【HIGH SPEED CHARGING】: USB defenders are made for blocking the hacker as well as fast charging, The 4th generation design chip can be used for the universal charging standards automatically switch to, Compatible with Various brands of smartphones, ensure compatibility with your device. and charge at up to 2.4 Amps.
- 【to make high quality safety products】:Advance manufacturing process design The metal shell material has multiple safety protection functions such as heat dissipation and fire safety, USB Data Blocker are used by the governments of the USA, Canada, UK and New Zealand as well as 100s of corporations around the world to secure their devices，100% guarantee against hacker attack.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
