Juice jacking: FBI alert about hidden dangers at phone charging stations

The FBI in Denver has put out a warning for smartphone customers to keep away from utilizing public charging stations when doable. It is because cybercriminals have been using a method known as juice jacking to hijack public chargers and infect the units with malware that can provide hackers entry to your cellphone, pill, or pc.  

This is what we all know. 

What’s juice jacking? 

Juice jacking is a means of compromising devices like smartphones and tablets, which use the identical cable for charging and knowledge switch, usually a USB cable. Hackers will infect charging stations which can be open to the general public in order that anytime an individual plugs their cellphone into the station through a USB cable, the hacker can infect that USB cable whereas it is plugged into your machine and steal all of your machine’s knowledge.

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What if I’ve to cost my cellphone in public? 

It’s best to strive your greatest to keep away from utilizing these public charging stations. Nonetheless, generally we have to cost our units and may’t wait till we’re in a non-public location to take action. That is why you’ll be able to and may put together beforehand in case that you must cost your machine. Listed here are some methods you’ll be able to keep away from these public charging stations. 

This is what to know earlier than charging your cellphone or different machine at a public location. (Fox Information)

Use a transportable battery 

Having a transportable battery charger on your smartphone will forestall you from having to plug your cellphone right into a wall in a public place whereas nonetheless chasing your smartphone effectively do you have to want to take action. Get my picks for best portable chargers here. 

Carry your individual charging cable 

It’s at all times higher to make use of your individual charging cable and plug your cellphone into an everyday outlet plug so you’ll be able to keep away from these USB retailers. Bear in mind to pack your charger in every single place you go and attempt to discover the closest outlet you’ll be able to if that you must give your cellphone a fast cost. 

MORE ON FREE ANTIVIRUS SOFTWARE: SHOULD YOU USE IT? 

Use antivirus software program 

Typically having to make use of these public charging stations is unavoidable; nonetheless, you will be rather more protected should you at the least have antivirus software program put in in your machine. Having antivirus software program will assist you to to know when there’s malware or different viruses in your smartphone instantly. 

See my skilled overview of the most effective antivirus safety on your Home windows, Mac, Android & iOS units by visiting Lock Up your Tech. 

Have you ever adopted these steps to keep away from public charging stations? Tell us beneath. 

Head right here for extra data on preserving your self secure. (Fox Information)

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