The FBI has issued a warning against using public smartphone charging stations, saying they have become overran with ‘bad actors”
The FBI’s Denver office issued the warning, writing: “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.”
It’s an interesting issue for the Feds to focus on, given there are yet to be any widespread reports of malware invasions from public charging station.
The Federal Communications Commission in the United States also has a warning against public charging station on its website.
“If your battery is running low, be aware that juicing up your electronic device at free USB port charging stations, such as those found near airport gates, in hotels and other travel-friendly locations, could have unfortunate consequences. You could become a victim of ‘juice jacking,’ a new cyber-theft tactic,” the FCC warns./
“Cybersecurity experts have warned that criminals can load malware onto public USB charging stations to maliciously access electronic devices while they are being charged.
“Malware installed through a dirty USB port 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.”