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Public Charging Stations

All articles tagged with #public charging stations

The Risks of Public Phone Charging Stations
technology2 years ago

The Risks of Public Phone Charging Stations

The recent wave of warnings about "juice jacking," where public charging stations or USB ports are tampered with to steal data or install malware, is largely unfounded. While the concept was demonstrated in 2011, there have been no known instances of juice jacking beyond proof-of-concept demonstrations. Most phone manufacturers have added prompts to allow or deny data exchange when charging, and the risk is minimal. However, if concerned, users can protect themselves by avoiding public charging stations, bringing their own external battery, using secure electrical sockets, using trusted charging cords, or using USB "condoms" that prevent data transfer.

"Juice Jacking Warnings in Airports and Hotels Mostly False"
cybersecurity2 years ago

"Juice Jacking Warnings in Airports and Hotels Mostly False"

The warnings of "juice jacking" - a cyberattack that can hack your phone when you plug it into a public charging station - have been circulating for more than a decade. However, the vast majority of cybersecurity experts do not warn that juice jacking is a threat unless you’re a target of nation-state hackers. There are no documented cases of juice jacking ever taking place in the wild. Modern iPhones and Android devices require users to click through an explicit warning before they can exchange files with a device connected by standard cables.

FBI cautions against public phone charging stations due to security risks.
cybersecurity2 years ago

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

Cybercriminals are using USB cables at public charging stations to hack into phones while they're charging, a practice known as "juice jacking." Building fake charging stations is easy, and they can be used to install malware or steal data from mobile devices. To avoid getting juice jacked, carry a portable battery charger, use a data blocker, use a plug-in wall socket, or completely power off your device before plugging it into a public charging station.

FBI cautions against using public phone chargers.
technology2 years ago

FBI cautions against using public phone chargers.

The FBI has warned against using public phone charging stations due to the threat of "juice jacking," where bad actors can load malware onto public USB charging stations to maliciously access electronic devices while they are being charged. Cybersecurity experts warn that malware installed through a corrupted USB port can lock a device or export personal data and passwords directly to the perpetrator. To avoid becoming a victim, the FBI recommends using an AC power outlet instead, bringing your own chargers and cables, and carrying a portable charger or external battery.

FBI warns of malware risk from public phone chargers at airports and malls.
crime2 years ago

FBI warns of malware risk from public phone chargers at airports and malls.

The FBI's Denver office has issued a warning against using public phone charging stations in airports or malls, citing the risk of malware and monitoring software being introduced onto devices through public USB ports. The FBI recommends carrying your own charger and USB cord and using an electrical outlet instead. "Juice jacking" remains a concern, with malware installed through a corrupted USB port potentially locking a device or exporting personal data and passwords directly to a criminal. Experts recommend visually inspecting chargers prior to use and carrying a USB data blocker for added protection.

FBI warns of security risks at public phone charging stations
cybersecurity2 years ago

FBI warns of security risks at public phone charging stations

The FBI is warning against using public charging stations in malls and airports, as they could be used by bad actors to introduce malware onto personal devices. The agency advises carrying your own charger and USB cord and using an electrical outlet instead. Cybersecurity experts have warned that criminals can load malware onto public USB charging stations to maliciously access electronic devices while they are being charged. Americans lost $10.3 billion to a wide variety of internet scams last year, according to an FBI report released last month.

FBI warns against using public phone charging stations due to malware threat and fraud risk.
cybersecurity2 years ago

FBI warns against using public phone charging stations due to malware threat and fraud risk.

The FBI has warned consumers against using public charging stations, as hackers could infect them with malware and steal personal data. The practice, known as "juice jacking," involves hackers using public USB ports to introduce malware and monitoring software onto devices. Experts have encouraged consumers to bring their own USB cord and plug into an electrical outlet or a portable charger, and to look out for signs that a phone could be tampered with. Overall, consumers are advised to think of their phone like a credit card and take similar protective measures.

FBI cautions against using public phone chargers due to security risks
cybersecurity2 years ago

FBI cautions against using public phone chargers due to security risks

The FBI has warned that public USB ports can be used by hackers to introduce malware and monitoring software onto devices, a cybercrime known as "juice jacking." The agency advises carrying your own charger and USB cord and using an electrical outlet to power up your device instead. Cybersecurity experts recommend adopting newer USB technology or purchasing charging-only cables, which don't allow data extraction, and using wireless chargers. Signs of a compromised device include a loss of battery life, a slowdown in operations, overheating, settings being altered without input, and unusually high data usage.

FBI advises against using public phone charging stations due to security risks
cybersecurity2 years ago

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

The FBI has warned consumers against using free public charging stations, as hackers have found ways to infect devices with malware or monitoring software through public USB ports. The agency advises carrying your own charger and using an electrical outlet instead. The Federal Communications Commission has also warned about "juice jacking" since 2021, as compromised USB cables can be hijacked through software that can siphon off usernames and passwords.

FBI cautions against using public phone charging stations due to security risks
cybersecurity2 years ago

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.

FBI warns against using public phone charging stations due to security risks
technology2 years ago

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

The FBI has warned against using public charging stations at airports, hotels, and shopping centers due to the risk of "juice jacking," a scam where the charging station is loaded with malware that can lock your device or send private information to criminals. To protect yourself, bring a portable charger or charging-only cable from a trusted supplier and avoid using public WiFi networks.

FBI warns against using public phone charging stations
cybersecurity2 years ago

FBI warns against using public phone charging stations

The FBI and Federal Communications Commission (FCC) are warning people against using public phone charging stations, as hackers have found a way to introduce malware and other software onto devices through the public stations. The malware can give criminals access to personal data and passwords, which they can use personally or sell to other actors. Instead, the FCC suggests people use a portable charger, use an AC power outlet or buy a charging-only cable, which does not allow the transfer of information while being used.

FBI cautions against using public USB charging stations
cybersecurity2 years ago

FBI cautions against using public USB charging stations

The FBI has warned consumers against using public charging stations, as hackers can infect devices with malware or monitoring software through public USB ports. The Federal Communications Commission has also warned about "juice jacking" since 2021, advising consumers to avoid public stations. The FBI did not point to any recent instances of consumer harm from juice jacking, but recommends carrying your own charger and USB cord and using an electrical outlet instead.