FBI's warning against public phone chargers debunked

1 min read
Source: Slate
FBI's warning against public phone chargers debunked
Photo: Slate
TL;DR Summary

Recent warnings about the dangers of charging cellphones at public USB ports have been overblown. The FBI's tweet about "juice jacking" was actually a resurfacing of an old warning from the Federal Communications Commission, and there is little evidence that the scam has ever posed a real threat to the general public. While it is possible for hackers to install malware or steal data through a corrupted USB port, it is not a common attack method and is typically only used when targeting specific individuals. It is still recommended to use a fully charged portable charger or a cord that can be plugged into an actual electrical outlet, but using a public USB port is generally safe for most people.

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