FBI cautions against using public phone charging stations due to security risks

The FBI has warned travelers and shoppers to avoid using free public phone charging stations, as "bad actors" use them to install malware and tracking software onto computers and phones. This practice, known as "juice-jacking," has become more common as the number of charging stations in airports, hotels, and shopping centers has increased. The FBI advises carrying your own charger and USB cord and using an electrical outlet instead. Denver International Airport officials say they have methods of detecting tampering with public charging ports, but the best defense is to update smartphone software to prevent or alert users to this type of attack.