Avoid using public phone charging stations, FBI warns

Though this warning may come as a new development to some, it is in fact a reminder said the FBI as more “bad actors” are deploying this tactic to hack mobile phones via USB public ports usually found on malls and in airports.

Public phone charging ports have become very convenient for members of the public who are heavily reliant on this essential equipment. But for years now security experts have warned of the risks using them after discovering that hackers are able to access mobile phones when they are being charged.

There is even a term coined for it: ‘juice jacking’.

“Avoid using free charging stations in airports, hotels or shopping centers. Bad actors have figured out ways to use public USB ports to introduce malware and monitoring software onto devices.

Carry your own charger and USB cord and use an electrical outlet instead,” last week, the FBI’s Denver branch tweeted.

In an updated blog post by the Federal Communications Commission yesterday, the independent US Government agency warned against the habit of charging your devices in public areas while offering some safety tips.

“If your battery is running low, be aware that juicing up your electronic device at free USB port charging stations, such as those found in airports and hotel lobbies, might have unfortunate consequences. You could become a victim of "juice jacking" yet another cyber-theft tactic,” wrote the US agency that regulates interstate and international communications within the United States and U.S. territories overseas.

“Cyber security experts warn that bad actors can load malware onto public USB charging stations to maliciously access electronic devices while they are being charged. Malware installed through a corrupted USB port can lock a device or export personal data and passwords directly to the perpetrator. Criminals can then use that information to access online accounts or sell it to other bad actors.

“In some cases, criminals may have intentionally left cables plugged in at charging stations. There have even been reports of infected cables being given away as promotional gifts.”

Avoid using free charging stations in airports, hotels or shopping centers. Bad actors have figured out ways to use public USB ports to introduce malware and monitoring software onto devices. Carry your own charger and USB cord and use an electrical outlet instead. pic.twitter.com/9T62SYen9T

— FBI Denver (@FBIDenver) April 6, 2023

And to avoid becoming a juice jacking victim, the FCC said:

• Avoid using a public USB charging station. Use an AC power outlet instead.
• Bring AC, car chargers, and your own USB cables with you when traveling.
• Carry a portable charger or external battery.
• Consider carrying a charging-only cable, which prevents data from sending or receiving while charging, from a trusted supplier.
• If you plug your device into a USB port and a prompt appears asking you to select "share data" or “charge only,” always select “charge only.”