The government has issued a warning urging citizens to use caution when using public phone charging stations in places such as airports, cafes, hotels and bus stations. The advice comes amid growing concerns about “USB charger scams”, a tactic used by cybercriminals to take advantage of unsuspecting individuals who rely on these charging stations while on the move.
USB charger scams take advantage of the trust of individuals who rely on public charging ports, creating significant risks. Cybercriminals use a tactic called “juicejacking” to compromise these ports and launch attacks on connected devices.
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What is “Juicing”
Through juicejacking, hackers can steal sensitive data or plant malware on unsuspecting users’ devices. When individuals connect their gadgets to infected ports, they unknowingly face potential data theft, malware installation, or device hijacking.
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To protect against such threats, here are some proactive measures to consider:
1. Use a wall outlet or bring a personal cable/power bank: Prioritize using traditional power outlets if available, or bring your own charging cable or power bank to avoid using public USB stations.
2. Protect your device and avoid pairing with unknown devices: Implement device security features such as a PIN or passcode lock, and avoid connecting to unfamiliar or untrusted devices to prevent unauthorized access or data leakage.
3. Consider charging your device while it is turned off: Charging your device while it is turned off reduces the risk of external threats, thereby minimizing the risk of cyberattacks.
4. Keep your software updated: Regularly update your smartphone’s software to patch security holes and protect against emerging threats.
5. Install malware detection software: Consider installing malware or virus detection software to increase security against malicious attacks.
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What to do if you are a victim:
If you have fallen victim to a USB charging scam, please report it immediately by calling 1930 or submit an Internet Fraud Report at 1930. It is crucial to act quickly to address any potential consequences of this scam.
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