Why charging your smartphone in public places might not be a good idea

Using smartphone chargers in public places such as airports and shopping malls is a common habit for many people. However, this habit can potentially cause damage to the smartphone.

By
Administrator
-
0
164

Nowadays, public places such as train stations, airports, shopping centers, etc. are equipped with smartphone charging stations. These charging stations provide users with pre-installed charging bricks and cables, allowing them to easily charge their phones when needed.

However, according to a recent warning issued by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office in California, users should be cautious when using public charging cables provided by these stations. This is because using these public charging cables can potentially expose smartphones to malware infection and data theft.


Using public USB charging cables can pose risks to smartphones, including malware infection and data theft (Image: Pinterest).

These charging cables are designed to provide power and data transfer for mobile devices. Security researchers have revealed that hackers have found a way to infect users’ smartphones with malware through USB charging cables.

The attack method, known as “USB Charger Scam,” involves hackers secretly installing malware on public charging stations.

By using these public charging cables, users not only risk malware infection but also the potential loss of sensitive data and passwords stored on their smartphones.

Security experts have confirmed that this attack method can affect smartphones running on both Android and iOS operating systems.

“Always carry your own charger and USB cable. Use only power outlets and avoid using any provided chargers at public places,” advised an FBI representative.

Following the FBI and Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office warning about the “USB Charger Scam” attack, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has also issued a warning on its website, alerting users about the potential data theft risks associated with using public charging cables.

“In some cases, hackers intentionally leave behind pre-installed cables at charging stations or even give away infected cables and chargers as free promotional gifts, aiming to steal victims’ data,” warned the FCC.

To prevent falling victim to this type of attack through charging cables, security experts advise users to minimize their use of public charging stations. They should always carry their own charger and cable or consider using a portable power bank for charging purposes.

Source: VTV.vn

You may also like

How to Spot and Resolve a Virus Infection on Windows Computers

You may have heard rumors about computer viruses, but do you understand the drastic effect they can have? Learn today about the damaging impact of viruses.

6 Signs to Help You Identify if Your Phone Has Been Hacked

Below are six signs that can help you identify if your phone has been hacked.

5 Most Secure Ways to Protect Your Phone

Securing your mobile phone is an essential habit that helps protect your information and prevent malicious individuals from exploiting it for nefarious purposes.

Dangers of Public Wi-Fi You Should Be Aware Of

Many people have a habit of using public WiFi when they go out due to its convenience. However, public WiFi poses many hidden risks that not everyone is aware of.

Frequently asked questions

Public charging stations, especially those in crowded areas like airports and malls, pose a risk to your personal data and device security. Hackers can install malicious hardware inside charging ports, allowing them to access your phone’s data, lock your device with ransomware, or even install malware. This practice is known as ‘juice jacking.’ Always use a power outlet instead, and carry your own charger if possible.

To protect your phone, invest in a portable charger or power bank, and always carry your own charging cable. This way, you can avoid using public USB ports altogether. If you must use a public charging station, look for signs of tampering and only use ports that are securely attached and in good condition. Additionally, enable encryption on your device and install security updates regularly to lower the risk of data theft.

Juice jacking is a type of cyberattack where hackers exploit public USB charging stations to gain access to connected devices. They install hardware inside the charging port that mimics a standard USB data cable, tricking your phone into establishing a data connection. This allows them to extract sensitive data, install malware, or lock your device and demand a ransom to unlock it.

It can be difficult to spot a compromised charging port, but there are some signs to look out for. If the charging port is loose or wiggles when you touch it, that could be a sign of tampering. Also, look for any signs of damage or discoloration around the port, as this could indicate that the port has been opened or modified. It’s always better to be cautious and avoid using a charging port if you have any doubts about its security.

If your phone is compromised through juice jacking, the attacker can gain access to your personal data, including photos, contacts, and even passwords. They can also install malware that gives them remote control of your device, allowing them to spy on you or use your phone for illegal activities. In some cases, they might lock your device and demand a ransom payment to unlock it, which is a form of ransomware.

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR