Using a public mobile phone charger in Charlotte could invite hackers. Here’s how
The FBI is cautioning people to avoid using public charging stations, warning people about a hacking trend known as “juice jacking.”
“Bad actors have figured out ways to use public USB ports to introduce malware and monitoring software onto devices,” the agency said.
Once malware is installed, the Federal Communications Commission explains, hackers “can lock a device or export personal data and passwords directly to the perpetrator.”
“Criminals can use that information to access online accounts or sell it to other bad actors,” the FCC says.
Folks should “avoid using free charging stations in airports, hotels or shopping centers” in order to reduce their risk, the FBI and FCC recommend.
How to protect your mobile device
The FCC also suggests using AC power outlets to charge your devices instead of USB charging stations and always bringing “AC, car chargers, and your own USB cables with you when traveling.”
You can also “carry a portable charger or external battery,” the agency adds, or “a charging-only cable, which prevents data from sending or receiving while charging, from a trusted supplier.”
