Risk of Public Phone Charging

Risk of Public Phone Charging, a recent report revealed that malicious actors are utilizing public USB stations, such as those in airports, trains, public bus and malls, to disseminate malware and monitoring programs. A similar report from NY, The FBI is warning consumers against using public phone charging stations in order to avoid exposing their devices to malicious software.

Commuters in Lagos should be wary of the various USB ports in public buses and trains, especially the BRT buses. Carry your own charger and USB cord and use an electrical outlet instead.

“Just by plugging your phone into a compromised power strip or charger, your device is now infected, and that compromises all your data,” Drew Paik, formerly of security firm Authentic8, explained to CNN in 2017.

The same cord that charges your phone can also facilitate data transfer between your phone and other devices. For example, by connecting your iPhone or Android phone to your Mac or PC using the charging cable, you can transfer photos from your phone to your computer. If such port is compromised, there’s no limit to what information a hacker could take, which includes your email, text messages, photos and contacts, banking apps data.

Risk of Public Phone Charging

This can lead to sensitive information being stolen or personal devices being controlled remotely without the owner’s knowledge or consent. It’s generally recommended to use personal charging devices or power banks to avoid such risks.