Mobile charging stations have cropped up across urban centers and in high-traffic locations in recent years, a convenient resource for reviving dying phone batteries, but the FBI is issuing a new warning against using the hubs.
The agency cited "bad actors" looking to prey on unsuspecting targets by compromising USB ports on the charging hubs to infect plugged-in devices with malware and monitoring software.
"Carry your own charger and USB cord and use an electrical outlet instead," the FBI said in a tweet.
The agency's warning isn't the first issued to the general public about the potential hazards of public charging stations. In 2021, the FCC issued a "juice jacking" warning as one of the newest cyber-theft tactics.
"Cybersecurity experts have warned that criminals can load malware onto public USB charging stations to maliciously access electronic devices while they are being charged. Malware installed through a dirty USB port can lock a device or export personal data and passwords directly to the perpetrator," the FCC said at the time.
An Australian computer scientist who falsely claimed to be the founder of the bitcoin cryptocurrency has been found to have committed contempt of court.
With a ban on the horizon, Frank McCourt, Founder of Project Liberty, wants to purchase TikTok and put people in control of their digital identities and data.
Matt Durot, Senior Reporter at Forbes, joins Cheddar to unpack all things Elon Musk including his soaring wealth, relationship to Trump and if he has a will.
From big ticket items to stocking stuffers, Kate Kozuch, Managing Editor at Tom's Guide, shares her recommendations for the best tech based gifts this season.
Christopher Zara, Senior Editor at Fast Company, joins Cheddar to discuss the current state of X and why Elon Musk may be the reason people are joining Bluesky.
