Why You Must Avoid Using Public Charging Points – FBI Warns

The FBI has issued a warning to the public against using USB charging stations at airports, malls, and hotels. The American intelligence and security service released the message via its official Denver Twitter account earlier this month. Despite the apparent convenience of communal charging areas, the FBI warns consumers to use their own USB cables, charging plugs, portable chargers, or external batteries. The organization advises against using free charging stations in public places, as hackers can use the opportunity to access a person’s phone or tablet, compromising private data and infecting smartphones with malware that steals potentially sensitive data, including credit card information. Instead, the FBI advises carrying your own charger and USB cord and using an electrical outlet. Known as ‘juice jacking’, the term was first coined in 2021 after researchers created a charging station to demonstrate the potential for hacking at such kiosks.

The FBI’s warning is part of a regular reminder to keep smartphone users aware of the issue. The organization also reminds the public that hackers can use public Wi-Fi networks to target devices and data, so sensitive transactions, including purchases, should be avoided while on public networks.