The FBI is issuing a scary warning about public phone charging stations

lifestyle

by Emily Lefroy

April 10, 2023 | 8:25 p.m

It is a quick way to give your phone some elements that can also give hackers direct access to your information.

FBI He issued a serious warning against the use of free public phone chargers, saying that cunning delinquents have been known to use USB ports to infect phones with malware and software that can give hackers access to your phone, tablet or computer.

“Avoid using free charging stations at airports, hotels or malls,” reads a tweet from the official FBI account. “Carry your own charger and USB cord and use an electrical outlet instead.”

The FCC has previously warned of “juice theft,” otherwise known as hijacking, in 2021.

The FCC said that malware bandits are known to install infected USB ports that can export personal data and passwords to them directly from the phone.

According to FCC website.

The FBI recommends creating a strong, unique password for every online account — and changing it regularly.

The website notes that “Using the same passphrase across multiple accounts makes you more vulnerable if one is hacked.”

The FBI also recommends updating phones regularly, setting up multi-factor authentication and monitoring complex phishing scams.