Cyber Fraud Alert: The Centre has strongly cautioned the public not to use phone charging portals in public locations such as bus stops, hotels, cafes, and airports after receiving several complaints. The alert’s warning message is to make people aware of the potential danger of the “USB charger scam” and to be cautious when charging their devices while on the go. Read on to know more,
Centre warns people against using public USB charging portals
USB charging connections can be used maliciously by cybercriminals in public spaces such as bus stops, hotels, cafes, and airports.
Users may become vulnerable to cyberattacks known as “juice-jacking” when charging their smartphones at compromised USB charging stations. A cyberattack tactic known as “juice jacking” involves cybercriminals using public USB charging stations to either install malware on connected devices or steal user data.
Cybercriminals can steal data or infect the linked device with malware when gullible consumers plug their gadgets into these vulnerable charging connections. Personal data theft, virus or ransomware installation, and even device encryption with demands for a ransom could come from this.
How to stay safe
- Whenever possible, use conventional electrical wall outlets; if not, bring your own power banks or charging connections to circumvent using public USB charging stations.
- As it minimises the device’s exposure to outside dangers, charging your device when it is off can lower the risk of possible cyberattacks.
- To reduce the danger of unauthorised access or data compromise, use device security measures like PIN or password locking and avoid pairing with unknown or untrusted devices.
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