HUNTSVILLE — They are the most popular sites in airports, hotels and even restaurants.
Now, though, they may also be the most dangerous – financially speaking – places around.
We’re talking about public charging stations.
The FBI’s Denver office recently tweeted a warning about the stations, saying “Bad actors have figured out ways to introduce malware and monitoring software onto devices.”
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. pic.twitter.com/9T62SYen9T
— FBI Denver (@FBIDenver) April 6, 2023
The practice is called “juice jacking” and it has been growing. The FBI offered the warning about connecting to a public Wi-Fi network and people should not conduct any sensitive transactions, including purchases, when on a public network.
The FBI said to avoid using free charging stations in airports, hotels, or shopping centers.
“Carry your own charger and USB cord and use an electrical outlet instead,” the agency said.
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