Security News > 2023 > April > FBI and FCC warn about “Juicejacking” – but just how useful is their advice?
If you plug your phone into a USB outlet that's provided by someone else, how can you be sure that it's only providing charging power, and not secretly trying to negotiate a data connection with your device at the same time?
In the words of the FCC:. If your battery is running low, be aware that juicing up your electronic device at free USB port charging stations, such as those found in airports and hotel lobbies, might have unfortunate consequences.
Cybersecurity experts warn that bad actors can load malware onto public USB charging stations to maliciously access electronic devices while they are being charged.
Make no mistake, we'd advise you to use your own charger whenever you can, and not to rely on unknown USB connectors or cables, not least because you have no idea how safe or reliable the voltage converter in the charging circuit might be.
What about the risks of getting your data slurped surreptitiously by a charger that also acted as a host computer and tried to take over control of your device without permission?
Consider untrusting all devices on your iPhone before risking an unknown computer or charger.