Beware the hidden threat: Why public phone chargers pose risks
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) warns against using public smartphone chargers due to the risk of "Juicejacking" attacks. An expert suggests an alternative: using your own USB cable or personal charger.
Anyone might need to charge their phone in a public place, but the FBI advises caution when using the available chargers with USB ports. Charging stations can not only provide power but also access your device, posing a risk of personal data theft.
What is the danger of public chargers?
According to the chief security engineer at Check Point Software, Muhammad Yahya Patel, public chargers are rarely secured, posing a significant threat to users.
Patel suggests a straightforward solution:
In public places, let’s use our own cables and plugs, and connect to an electrical outlet or use a cable without data transfer capability, he emphasized.
He notes that "hackers can use charging ports to transfer data and may install spyware or mirror your screen."
What to use instead of public chargers?
Another option is to carry your own power bank, which avoids the need to rely on public devices. However, it’s important to remember that data can also be compromised if you install an infected app, even if it's from the official Google Play Store on Android.
