FBI's Warning For All Smartphone Users: Don't Charge Your Phone Via Public Chargers (But Why?)


Sheetal Bhalerao

Sheetal Bhalerao

Apr 17, 2023


Most of us will agree that charging our phones via public chargers is a big risk.

FBI's Warning For All Smartphone Users: Don't Charge Your Phone Via Public Chargers (But Why?)

But now the game changes as this warning comes via the FBI which has issued a notice saying people should avoid charging their phones on public charging stations where you have other chargers placed. 

Why Would This Happen?

It appears that the public chargers have become a hacker’s paradise as it has allowed them to plug devices with malware which can be used to steal confidential data and even your money. 

Reportedly, this attack is termed as juice jacking, which is used by the hackers to infect the charging devices with malware. 

And why not! As this trick is easy, and people don’t usually suspect anything foul while using them.

However, several events in the recent past have shown the danger posed by these charging stations. 

Here, the fact that the FBI is sharing an advisory is definitely worth bringing to notice for everyone, especially for those who might not have taken it seriously.

When it comes to Juice jacking, it becomes an easy way to attack users as people will always need their phones to be charged, especially when they are flying. 

Basically, having a public charging unit comes in handy for those who have either packed their adapter in the main luggage or forgot to bring one.

How To Avoid It?

The best way to avoid these incidents is to carry your own charger, including the cable.

Here cable is important as this is the main weapon for the bad actor to infect your device with the malware via the USB cable that is connected to the phone for charging. 

For the general public, these warnings are shared regularly, and this article has talked about juice jacking in detail.

So, the next time you decide to fly and are tempted to use these charging stations, remember that one of the most important law enforcement agencies in the world has warned people from using the public chargers for their own safety.


Sheetal Bhalerao
Sheetal Bhalerao
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