Miami International Airport, recharge bars, charging stations for electronic devices. (Photo: Jeffrey Greenberg/Education Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
Jeff Greenberg | Universal Images Group | Getty Images
The FBI recently warned consumers not to use free public charging stations, which can infect devices with software that gives malware and hackers access to their phones, tablets, or computers. has been hijacked by malicious individuals.
“Do not use free charging stations at airports, hotels and shopping centers,” said a tweet from the FBI’s Denver field office. I’ve figured out a way to get the software onto the device, just bring your own charger and USB cord and use a power outlet instead.”
Provided by the FBI Similar guidance on the website to avoid public chargers. The bulletin does not point to recent instances of consumer harm from juice jacking, and the FBI did not immediately return a request for comment on what prompted a reminder from its Denver office.
The Federal Communications Commission also warns of “juice jacking,” a malware loading scheme known as: 2021 onwards.
The FCC warned at the time that consumer devices with compromised USB cables could be hijacked by software that could siphon usernames and passwords. The FCC has told consumers to avoid these public broadcasters.