DENVER, Co. — The government is warning travelers to take a close look before charging devices while on the road.
The FBI Denver bureau tweeted this month that travelers should “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.”
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 scam is known as ‘juice jacking’, and the FCC issued a similar warning days after the FBI alert.
Think twice before using public charging stations. Hackers could be waiting to gain access to your personal information by installing malware and monitoring software to your devices. This scam is referred to as juice jacking. https://t.co/hzLl2ZFTB5#juicejacking
— FCC (@FCC) April 11, 2023
“The USB charging stations at MIA are integrated into electrical outlets that require a specialized tool to remove the cover,” said Greg Chin, Communications Director for Miami International Airport. “Also, the charging stations are in public areas under surveillance by MIA’s closed-circuit TV system, which further reduces the risk of tampering.”
Officials at Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood Int’l Airport told Local 10 News they have not heard of any issues regarding this.
The FBI advises that travelers carry their own charger and USB cord, and use an electrical outlet instead.
The FCC recommends using car chargers and charging-only cable, which prevents data from being stolen while powering up.
The government has sent out similar alerts in the past, and did not elaborate on the reason for sending them out again.
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