In times of ubiquitous digitization, it has become an inseparable element of our lives. We use it to check the time, timetables, find the way or make payments for shopping. With a view to the sudden need to recharge the phone in public space, publicly available charging points have been created. However, as it turns out, using them can be risky. informs that public charging stations have become an easy target for hackers.
FBI warns against public charging stations: You could fall victim to the ‘juicing’ technique
“Avoid using free charging stations at airports, hotels or shopping malls. Fraudulent writers have come up with ways to use public USB ports to inject malware and surveillance software into devices. Carry your own charger and USB cable and use an electrical outlet instead.” – we read in a message published on Twitter by the FBI Denver.
As it turns out, the initiative created with the needs of phone users in mind became a breeding ground for those who found a way to introduce malware into their phones. It can steal our personal information and passwords. The FCC also warns against public chargers, referring to this cyber-theft technique as “juicing”.
How to protect yourself from data theft by charging your phone in a public space?
The best way to safely recharge your phone while away from home is to use your own charger that plugs directly into the socket. Although finding a free plug socket with the possibility of waiting comfortably for the device to be fully charged is not easy, it will allow us to avoid unnecessary problems. An alternative recommended by the security services may also be a special USB cable that prevents the transfer of data from the smartphone while charging it at the same time.
Source: Gazeta
Mabel is a talented author and journalist with a passion for all things technology. As an experienced writer for the 247 News Agency, she has established a reputation for her in-depth reporting and expert analysis on the latest developments in the tech industry.
