Experts warn over dangers of ‘juice jacking’ while travelling
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Experts have issued a warning over 'juice jacking' to people who use their electronic devices will out traveling.
If you're living on a phone that is three or more years old, there's a likelihood that it will die while you out and about on your travels.
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That is despite the fact it was on charge all night and was on 100 percent battery when you left the house.
It really a first-world kind of frustration but luckily, free charging stations have popped up in recent years - to the point where they are now fairly common in big city centres, airports, hotels, shopping centres and more.
While it may feel like a godsend at the time, you may actually want to think twice about hooking your phone up to one of these public stations.
That is because the FBI is now warning that 'bad actors' have found a way to infect your devices with malware or other tracking software that could cause serious damage.
For those that do struggle with phone charge when out and about or even travelling, the FBI recommends that you take your own charger or USB connection and plug that directly into an electrical source.
On its website, the FBI states: “Everyday tasks—opening an email attachment, following a link in a text message, making an online purchase—can open you up to online criminals who want to harm your systems or steal from you.
"Preventing internet-enabled crimes and cyber intrusions requires each of us to be aware and on guard.”
In its newly released warnings, the bureau officials then went on to warn people about using the free charging stations.
"Avoid using free charging stations in airports, hotels, or shopping centres," the warning read.
“Bad actors have figured out ways to use public USB ports to introduce malware and monitoring software onto devices that access these ports.
"Carry your own charger and USB cord and use an electrical outlet instead.”
The practice, known as 'juice jacking', has been around since 2011 after researchers created a charging station to show the potential for hacking them, as per the Washington Post.
A few reports of 'juice jacking' has been heard publicly over the years, though it is unclear how common it actually is.
However, experts do warn that if your phone is involved in this 'juice jacking', then hackers have the potential to have access to a concerning amount of personal things.
This includes access to personal data, such as credit and debit card information.
So, certainly think twice about using charging next stations next time you are out. And perhaps chuck in your power bank the next time you are on your travels.
