The FBI warned that travelers should avoid using public chargers at airports and elsewhere due to so-called "juice jacking" — when hackers infect USB ports with malicious software.
Instead, the agency recommends bringing a USB cord and charger and using an electrical outlet.
- An
increasing number of "bad actors" are hijacking public USB ports to
install malicious code onto victims' phones and other devices.
- Infecting devices with malware and monitoring software allows hackers to access devices and track and steal data.
- Android devices are more susceptible than iPhones and iPads, though Apple devices are not immune to the attacks.
- iPhones and iPads do offer a "Trust this Computer?” prompt that can further prevent juice jacking.
- On its “Be Cautious When Connected”
site, the FBI also recommends not making any purchases or other
sensitive transactions while connected to public WiFi and keeping
software and systems up-to-date.
