Abstract: A system and method for efficient methods and systems for input/output port protection from electrostatic discharge events are described. In various implementations, an integrated circuit mounted on a printed circuit board includes a connector port that uses a first signal pin within a metal shell mounted on the printed circuit board and is electrically connected to a ground reference. The first signal pin is electrically connected to the ground reference though a spring pin located between itself and the shell. A user inserts a head contact of a cable into the connector port. The head contact includes a second signal pin that is floating, but becomes connected to the ground reference when brought into physical contact with the first signal pin. During later insertion, the head contact pushes the spring pin causing physical disconnection of the spring pin from the first signal pin allowing data transmission to begin.