“Avoid using free charging stations at airports, hotels, or shopping malls. Bad guys can use public USB ports to introduce malware or spyware to connected devices. Bring your own charger and USB port, and use power outlets instead.” This is the message posted on Twitter by the Denver FBI office on April 6 and reported by CNBC.
“juice extraction”
On its site, the FBI warns against using such terminals that offer to connect your smartphone or tablet to an already installed cable. The US internal intelligence services do not cite specific cases, this message being merely preventive.
Since 2021, the US Federal Communications Commission has also warned about the risk of “juice jacking”, a type of cyberattack targeting a device connected to a battery charging port. Because it can be used both to recharge the device and to transfer data through a USB port.
And these ports can also carry viruses that extract usernames, passwords, and other sensitive information.
Please note that data can be transmitted even when the phone is plugged in “charge only” mode.
Source: BFM TV
