The Denver FBI has alerted the public on Twitter to the risks of using public USB ports, which can be found in malls, train stations, etc. They can be hacked to infect your smartphone. The federal office also specifies how to avoid malicious software.
USB ports are multiplying in public spaces. Metro, train, bus, station and stations, we see more and more in public transport. But there are also some in shopping malls, airports, etc. In short, all the places where we are likely to wait and where we would like to avoid losing our precious remaining battery percentages. But for the FBI, plugging into these USB ports carries risks.
Hacked USB ports that can install viruses on your smartphone
As written MacRumorsthe Denver FBI posted a warning message for Americans on Twitter: Avoid using free charging stations at airports, hotels or shopping malls. »
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
In question, ” malicious actors who can use these USB ports forintroduce malware and surveillance software to devices“.
How to prevent your device from being hacked
To avoid spreading panic, the FBI gave a recommendation to limit the risks: “Bring your own charger and USB cord and use an electrical outlet instead.With this, it is impossible to transfer data to your smartphone, so no virus. Especially since in some places, electrical outlets are available in addition to USB ports. Another method: simply bring an external battery with you if there is no outlet. If you decide to connect to one of these USB ports, ensure that your operating system is up to date with the latest security patches released to reduce the risk of hacking.
On his side,MacRumorsremember that iPhones, iPads and MacBooks have a security feature that blocks data transfer if the device has been locked for more than an hour. However, if you use it, this security is no longer active. In addition, if authorization systems for accessing data from your smartphone exist on iOS and Android, no one is immune to a so-called security breach.zero day: a flaw that has not been discovered by the developers and that only certain hackers use discreetly.
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