Mysterious USB Ports Show Up In NYC

A New York artist named Aram Bartholl is trying a very daring, if not crazy, art exhibit by placing USB sticks throughout New York City. The idea is for others to share their digital life, secrets, and information with strangers to bridge the world of digital information with that of the physical world. So what exactly do you do?

Aram has placed a small collection of USB ports in public places, thinking that others will connect their laptop or computer to the USB port and upload or download data to share. A bit crazy if you ask me… you know how many viruses and key logging programs one could get? Even with virus checking software, there are sophisticated attacks you could expose yourself to. But if you dare, connect!

Currently the installation is only a five-stick preview, but Bartholl is planning to expand the operation to more sticks and more cities. Check Bartholl’s blog for coming information including “full documentation, movie, map, and ‘How to make your own dead drop’ manual coming soon!”

Aram — you should use USB write-protected flash drives and share controlled data so that your exhibit doesn’t kill computers! Maybe provide an upload link where you can control the data, then put the data on flash drives and write protect the stick. Don’t know how? Contact us, we’ll show you.

Full story at Discover Magazine.