``Do not use free public smartphone charging stations,'' FBI warns

Nowadays, everyone carries their smartphones and tablets with them, and many people have the experience of rushing to find a charging spot when their device is about to run out of charge while on the go. In recent years, stations and cafes have USB ports for charging, but

Avoid using free charging stations in airports, hotels or shopping centers. 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.pic.twitter .com/9T62SYen9T

—FBI Denver (@FBI Denver) April 6, 2023

FBI says you shouldn't use public phone charging stations
https://www.cnbc.com/2023/04/10/fbi-says-you-shouldnt-use-public-phone-charging-stations.html

FBI warns public against using free charging station, says 'bad actors' can introduce malware | Fox News
https://www.foxnews.com/us/fbi-warns-public-against-using-free-charging-station-says-bad-actors-introduce-malware

Public charge stations are a danger to your security | TechRadar
https://www.techradar.com/news/public-charge-stations-are-a-danger-to-your-security

The FBI's Denver office tweeted in April 2023, 'Avoid using free charging stations in airports, hotels, and shopping centers. Malicious attackers can use public USB ports to spread malware and We have figured out a way to put monitoring software into your device.Please bring your own charger and USB cable and use an outlet instead of a USB port,' he warned against using public charging stations. rice field.

According to the Denver Secretariat, this tweet was not related to the actual hacking damage via the charging USB port, but was sent as a message to people. The FBI and Federal Communications Commission (FCC) websites have long pointed out the danger of attacks that exploit charging stations.

On the Internet: Be Cautious When Connected—FBI
https://www.fbi.gov/how-we-can-help-you/safety-resources/scams-and-safety/on-the-internet

'Juice Jacking': The Dangers of Public USB Charging Stations | Federal Communications Commission
https://www.fcc.gov/juice-jacking-dangers-public-usb-charging-stations

Hacking using a USB charging port or cable is called a juicejacking attack . The USB and Lightning terminals have a charging terminal and a data communication terminal, and when connected to the charging port, only the charging terminal is used. However, if a malicious attacker uses a specially crafted charging station or cable, not only the charging terminal but also the data communication terminal will be used, and there is a risk that malware will be sent to the device. .

Once a device is infected with malware, hackers can lock the device or steal user passwords and personal information via malware. The concept of juicejacking attacks has been around since 2011 and has been flagged many times before. However, we know that many people do not check security when using charging stations.

Risk of data being stolen if you use a free public smartphone charging station carelessly - GIGAZINE

Technology media TechRadar points out that when traveling, you should not trust the old charging port, and if you have to use it, you should use a cable with only a charging terminal that blocks data communication. He also recommended carrying your own portable charger and cable, and plugging your smartphone into an electrical outlet instead of a USB port.