The FBI and Federal Communications Commission (FCC) have warned against the use of free public phone chargers, as hackers can use the USB ports to infect phones with malware and gain direct access to sensitive information. The FCC has previously warned of “juice jacking,” in which infected USB ports export personal data and passwords directly from phones.
Criminals can use this information to access online accounts or sell it to others. The FBI advises carrying one’s own charger and USB cord and using an electrical outlet instead.
To mitigate the risks of juice jacking, the FBI recommends creating strong and unique passwords for each online account and changing them regularly. Using the same password for multiple accounts increases one’s vulnerability if one account is breached.
Additionally, the FBI advises keeping phones updated, setting up multi-factor authentication, and being vigilant against phishing scams.
The risks of using public phone chargers are particularly high in places such as airports, hotels, and shopping centers where many people charge their devices. The warning has raised awareness among the public about the potential dangers of using public USB ports.
Hackers have become increasingly sophisticated in their methods, and it is essential to take steps to protect sensitive information from being compromised. The FBI and FCC are continuing to monitor the situation and provide guidance on best practices for protecting against juice jacking.
