Stop Using Public Charging Stations
FBI calls out charging stations for hacking vulnerabilities
Got a holiday booked? Be wary about using the airport charging stations…
The FBI are making people aware of cyber criminals using free public charging points in airports and shopping centres for “juice jacking”. These sneaky crooks have worked out a way to hijack public chargers to infect phones, laptops, tablets and other devices with malware, or software that allows them access to everything on them – including photos, applications, camera and potentially even your bank details!
Cyber security companies and the FBI themselves are advising people to skip the public chargers and opt for electrical outlets instead, or even bring their own pre-charged powerbank.
“Avoid using free charging stations in airports, hotels or shopping centres. Bad actors have figured out ways to use public USB ports to introduce malware and monitoring software onto devices. Carry your own charger and USB cord and use an electrical outlet instead.” – @FBIDenver on Twitter
It is also worth noting that accepting a charging cable from a seemingly generous stranger could also be detrimental; a very simple method of hacking phones. Until recently, getting their hands on a USB cable with an advanced implant hidden inside would cost a cyber criminal close to £20000. Now, they’re available from as little as £100! And they look exactly like any other standard cable.
Be cyber smart. Keep your own charging plug and cable or powerbank on hand when you’re away from home.
Want to learn more about keeping your devices secure? Get in touch today for the latest cyber security tips and software.
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