The FBI is currently warning travelers that public chargers at airports, malls, and hotels could be hacked to steal data or infect your phone with malware.
Compromised plugs can put software onto phones that can give others access to your phone and even siphon off usernames and passwords.
A tweet from the FBI’s Denver Center said, “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.”
USB ports are most at risk, so if you must use a public outlet, bring your own brick that you know and trust. Also, be sure to say “do not trust” on your phone if the option does come up.
But if you are truly worried about your phone getting hacked, use a portable charger, charge with your laptop, or purchase a data blocker.
To learn more about the dangerous scam compromising outlets in public spaces, check out the video below:
Featured image from Pexels, photo credit Stanley Ng
