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FBI Warning: Avoid Public Phone Charging Stations
The Warning
- The FBI cautions consumers against using public phone charging stations due to the risk of exposing devices to malicious software.
- These stations, commonly found in malls and airports, can be used by malicious actors to spread malware and monitoring software.
Advice from the FBI
- Carry your own charger and USB cord.
- Use an electrical outlet instead of public charging stations to charge your devices.
Long-standing Concerns
- Security experts have raised concerns about the risk of using public charging stations for years.
- The term "juice jacking" was coined in 2011 to describe this problem.
How Compromised Ports Work
- Plugging your phone into a compromised port can infect your device, compromising all your data.
- The charging cord is also used to transfer data between devices, posing a risk of data theft.
Reminder from FBI and FCC
- The FBI regularly provides reminders to stay safe, especially while traveling.
- The FCC warns that corrupted charging ports can allow malicious actors to lock devices or extract personal data and passwords.
Sources: CNN, Federal Communications Commission
