Government advisory: Avoid using public USB ports for charging your smartphones.
Posted: Tue Apr 02, 2024 11:20 pm
Alert
The government cautions against the USB charger
​​​scam in public areas. Cybercriminals could compromise your data. Follow these guidelines to safeguard your
devices while charging on the move.
The government has issued a cautionary alert, advising citizens to exercise vigilance when utilizing public phone charging stations at locations such as airports, cafes, hotels, and bus stands. This advisory follows increasing worries regarding the "USB charger scam," an approach employed by cybercriminals to target unsuspecting individuals who depend on these stations while traveling.
The USB charger scam presents a notable danger, exploiting the trust of individuals who utilize public charging ports. Cybercriminals employ a tactic known as "juice-jacking" to compromise these ports and initiate attacks on connected devices.
What is ‘Juice-Jacking'
Through juice-jacking, hackers can steal sensitive data or implant malware onto unsuspecting users' devices. When individuals connect their gadgets to compromised ports, they unknowingly expose themselves to potential data theft, malware installation, or device hijacking.
To safeguard against such threats, here are some proactive measures to consider:
1. Use Electrical Wall Outlets or Carry Personal Cables/Power Banks: Prefer traditional electrical outlets when available, or bring your own charging cables or power banks to avoid using public USB stations. 2. Secure Your Device and Avoid Pairing with Unknown Devices: Implement device security features like PIN or password locks, and avoid connecting to unfamiliar or untrusted devices to prevent unauthorised access or data compromise. 3. Consider Charging Your Device When Turned Off: Charging devices while powered off reduces exposure to external threats, minimising the risk of cyber attacks. 4. Keep Software Updated: Regularly update your smartphone's software to patch security vulnerabilities and stay protected against emerging threats. 5. Install Malware Detection Software: Consider installing malware or virus detection software for added security against malicious attacks.
What to Do If You're a Victim:
If you've fallen victim to the USB charging scam, report it immediately by calling 1930 or filing a report of cyber fraud at https://www.cybercrime.gov.in It's crucial to take prompt action to address any potential consequences of the scam.
​​​​​​​​
The government cautions against the USB charger
​​​scam in public areas. Cybercriminals could compromise your data. Follow these guidelines to safeguard your
devices while charging on the move.
The government has issued a cautionary alert, advising citizens to exercise vigilance when utilizing public phone charging stations at locations such as airports, cafes, hotels, and bus stands. This advisory follows increasing worries regarding the "USB charger scam," an approach employed by cybercriminals to target unsuspecting individuals who depend on these stations while traveling.
The USB charger scam presents a notable danger, exploiting the trust of individuals who utilize public charging ports. Cybercriminals employ a tactic known as "juice-jacking" to compromise these ports and initiate attacks on connected devices.
What is ‘Juice-Jacking'
Through juice-jacking, hackers can steal sensitive data or implant malware onto unsuspecting users' devices. When individuals connect their gadgets to compromised ports, they unknowingly expose themselves to potential data theft, malware installation, or device hijacking.
To safeguard against such threats, here are some proactive measures to consider:
1. Use Electrical Wall Outlets or Carry Personal Cables/Power Banks: Prefer traditional electrical outlets when available, or bring your own charging cables or power banks to avoid using public USB stations. 2. Secure Your Device and Avoid Pairing with Unknown Devices: Implement device security features like PIN or password locks, and avoid connecting to unfamiliar or untrusted devices to prevent unauthorised access or data compromise. 3. Consider Charging Your Device When Turned Off: Charging devices while powered off reduces exposure to external threats, minimising the risk of cyber attacks. 4. Keep Software Updated: Regularly update your smartphone's software to patch security vulnerabilities and stay protected against emerging threats. 5. Install Malware Detection Software: Consider installing malware or virus detection software for added security against malicious attacks.
What to Do If You're a Victim:
If you've fallen victim to the USB charging scam, report it immediately by calling 1930 or filing a report of cyber fraud at https://www.cybercrime.gov.in It's crucial to take prompt action to address any potential consequences of the scam.
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