Avoid Public USB Phone Chargers - They May Have Embedded Malware
Do you know that cyber criminals can embed malicious codes in public USB chargers, which can install malware like viruses and spyware on your smartphone or mobile device once connected to them? This is why it is important to avoid public USB chargers when traveling because cyber criminals can place those malicious USB chargers at airports, hotels, coffee shops and other public places, where they know a lot of people traverse each day. And, do not believe that because you have antivirus software on your mobile device, you are completely protected from such potential threat.
Public chargers can be convenient when traveling because, at times, we forget our mobile device charger. But, care should be taken, especially now, when we are so dependent on technology and almost all of our personal and financial information are accessible online. And, it could take months to recover from a cyber theft.
Some people think because they have antivirus software on their mobile device they are completely protected from malware. But, although antivirus software is strongly recommended, it cannot completely protect you from new malware or viruses. Click here to learn more.
Once mobile devices are infected with spyware, the spyware allows cyber-criminals to silently access the mobile devices, steal the owners' personal and financial information, or install malicious software on the same devices to silently commit other cyber crimes, like attacking a website, which would be traced back to owners.
Therefore, it is recommended to carry an extra mobile charger, portable USB charger or Power Bank when traveling to avoid such potential threat.
Or, use a USB condom, which blocks the data pins on any USB cable, allowing only power to flow through. This minimizes opportunities to steal data or install malware on a mobile device.
Using public USB chargers with without protection, I think, is even worse than using public WiFi.
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Note: Some of the information in samples on this website may have been impersonated or spoofed.