ALBAWABA - The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has issued a warning to consumers about the potential security risks of using public phone charging stations. As technology continues to advance, experts at the FBI have identified that using these charging stations may expose individuals to dangers, as malicious actors exploit them to install harmful software on devices or steal personal data.
While public charging stations are a convenient option for many when their device batteries are critically low, security experts have raised concerns about their risks for years. The cable used for charging your phone also facilitates data transfer from your phone to other devices. For example, when connecting an iPhone to a Mac using a charging cable, photos from your phone can be transferred to the computer. If the port or cable is compromised, there is no limit to the information that an infiltrator can access, including emails, text messages, images, and contacts.
Public USB charging stations, such as those found in shopping centers and airports, are utilized by malicious entities and hackers to disseminate malware, often designed for surveillance. Simply plugging your phone into a compromised power outlet or charger can make your device vulnerable, putting all your data at risk, according to a tweet from the FBI.
The agency advised consumers to "carry your charger and USB cord and use an electrical outlet instead of public chargers." In the same context, the Federal Communications Commission cautioned that a compromised charging port could allow hackers to lock the device or extract personal data and passwords.
There have been reports of attackers intentionally leaving cables connected to charging stations to facilitate the intrusion process. Additionally, there are reports of distributing compromised cables as promotional gifts.
The FCC recommended that if you connect your device to a USB port and receive a notification asking you to choose between data sharing or charging only, always select charging only. This precaution is vital when using public charging stations.
Other protective measures include updating smartphone software regularly to minimize real security risks, as attackers typically exploit security vulnerabilities in phones. It's also crucial to carry your charging cables and connect them to your personal charger or a power bank.
For added security, consider purchasing a USB data-blocking tool that contains an adapter allowing only power transfer to your phone, not data.
When using public charging stations, monitor for unusual behaviors and pop-ups on your phone screen to raise questions about the device's trustworthiness or connected drives.
