Years go by, technology improves and mobiles have more intelligent functions, but we continue with the same problem: the battery. This means that in many cases we have to use a plug in a public place in the middle of the day. For example, a train station, a shopping center, a library… Now, is this safe? The FBI has issued a warning: beware of charge the mobile in public places. We explain what can happen and what you should do.
The FBI warns of the danger of using public sockets to charge the mobile
What is happening with public outlets? Hackers could manipulate them. The objective is to sneak in some type of virus, steal data or compromise the security of the devices that we connect to electricity, which will mainly be mobile. It mainly occurs in places where there is a large influx of people. It happens the same as with dangerous Wi-Fi networks.
They warn that in some cases there is even a cable already connected so that the victim can simply plug in their mobile. That cable, as you can imagine, could have been altered in some way for its purpose of sneak malware. It does not mean that all the cables you see are dangerous, but it is possible that they use just that to steal.
What they do is use the public USB ports to sneak malware and tracking software, as indicated by the FBI. With this they manage to steal information from a mobile phone and even control it. They could steal personal data, but also passwords and thus take control of accounts such as social networks, mail, bank, etc.
The problem is that we are facing something that is increasing. The reason is clear: we are using our mobile phones more and more everywhere and, at the same time, there are more and more charging stations. Cybercriminals take advantage of this to infect those stations and tamper with the chargers.
What to do to charge the mobile safely
So, what should we do to charge the mobile in public places and not have problems? From the FBI recommend bring our own cable. They warn that it is necessary to avoid using any cable that is in that charging station, since it could have been modified. This also includes any charger, not just what is the USB cable.
They also recommend avoiding these sockets where we charge the mobile simply by connecting a USB cable. They indicate that it is better connect the charger to a normal socket and thus charge the phone. This lowers the risk of problems. You will always find a plug nearby.
In addition, another recommendation is to use a power bank. It is basically an external battery, which you can take with you everywhere. They usually have a capacity for at least one charge of a mobile phone. Some even allow you to charge it multiple times. With this you will not have any danger, since you will not connect your mobile to a public socket.
In short, as you can see, charging the phone in public places can be dangerous. The FBI has warned of this and launches some recommendations that you can put into practice. The goal is to always maintain safety and not have any problems. Keep in mind that they can even remotely hack your mobile, so you should always be prepared.
