The American Federal Bureau of Investigation, which we all know by the acronym FBI, has just issued an alert on Twitter about the use of USB sockets for charging devices such as smartphones, tablets, PCs. According to the organization, there would bemajor security risksto plug into any charger used in public places.
FBI: avoid public USB sockets at all costs!
The FBI claims on Elon Musk's social network that hackers have succeeded in transmitting malware to smartphones via USB cable. Private and sensitive data such as emails and bank account identifiers would have been taken in this way. The method also works just as well with a mobile phone as it does with a tablet or even a computer.
Avoid using free charging stations in airports, hotels or shopping centers. Bad actors have figured out ways to use public USB ports to introduce malware and monitoring software onto devices. Carry your own charger and USB cord and use an electrical outlet instead.pic.twitter.com/9T62SYen9T
— FBI Denver (@FBIDenver)April 6, 2023
The Lightning socket, more secure
The Lightning jack that can be found on iPhone and iPad has asecurity that USB sockets do not have. Data transfer can only be done in Lighthing with authorization from the user, or at least one hour after unlocking the targeted device.
It is nevertheless advisable to always useyour own power adapter and your own USB cable to charge your smartphone in public places. So avoid any USB socket made available free of charge to everyone in train stations, airports, media libraries, etc.
Apply elsewherethe same policy to any public Wi-Fi network you connect to, whether in a hotel, on the train, on the plane or elsewhere. There are many ways available allowing malicious people to access the data on your devices via Wi-Fi. This is why VPNs are particularly used, they make it more difficult to intercept your surfing data.
Concerning USB and security risks, we will have to see what Apple offers for its iPhones soon, with the expected transition to three-letter connectivity imposed by the EU
Editor-in-chief for iPhon.fr. Pierre is like Indiana Jones, looking for the lost iOS trick. Also a long-time Mac user, Apple devices hold no secrets for him. Contact: pierre[a]iphon.fr.
