Caution: FBI advises against public phone charging stations for consumers! 

to unsuspecting users."

With the increasing reliance on smartphones and other electronic devices in our daily lives, it's no wonder that running out of battery power can cause panic for many people. Public charging stations, such as those found in airports and stores, seem like a convenient solution to this problem. However, the FBI is now cautioning purchasers to be wary of using these public charging stations due to the risk of exposing their devices to malicious software.

According to a tweet from the FBI's Denver branch, public USB stations are being used by hackers to spread malware and tracking software, although no specific examples were provided. This practice, known as "juice jacking," was coined by researchers back in 2011 to describe the problem of compromising devices through public charging stations.

The issue lies in the fact that the same charging cable that you use to power up your device is also used to transfer data between your device and other devices, such as your computer. This means that if a compromised charging port is used, it could potentially allow a hacker to access all of your data, including your emails, text messages, photos, and contacts.

"The FBI frequently provides reminders and public service announcements along with our partners," said Vikki Migoya, public affairs officer at the FBI's Denver branch. "This was a general reminder for the American public to stay safe and diligent, especially while traveling."

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) also updated a blog post recently, warning users about the risks of using corrupted charging ports. The FCC stated that criminals may even intentionally leave infected cables plugged in at charging stations, or even give away infected cables as promotional gifts.

To protect yourself from falling victim to juice jacking, the FBI and other security experts recommend avoiding public charging stations altogether. Instead, it is recommended to carry your own charger and USB cable and use a trusted electrical outlet. Additionally, it is important to keep your devices updated with the latest security patches and avoid using unfamiliar cables or chargers.

While the convenience of public charging stations may be tempting, the risk of exposing your device to malicious software is not worth the convenience. It's crucial to prioritize the security of your personal information and take necessary precautions to protect your devices from potential cyber threats. As technology continues to evolve, so do the tactics of hackers, and staying vigilant in safeguarding our devices is more important than ever.