New Delhi: The Union Government has warned the citizens against using phone charging portals in public places such as airports, railways, and cafes. hotels, Bus stands. The government has asked people to be cautious of the USB charger scam.
The main risk is that USB charging outlets in public locations, such as cafes and airports, are often used maliciously by cybercriminals. Additionally, charging gadgets at compromised USB ports exposes consumers to cyberattacks known as “juice-jacking.” Juice Jacking is a cyberattack tactic in which hackers utilize open USB charging stations to either steal user data or infect linked devices with malware.
Cybercriminals can steal data or infect the linked device with malware when gullible consumers plug their gadgets into these vulnerable charging connectors. This could lead to ransomware or virus installation, personal information theft, or even device encryption with demands for payment.
We can stay safe by preferring electrical wall outlets or carrying personal cables, chargers and power banks. We should secure and lock our devices and avoid pairing them with unknown devices. We should consider charging our phones by switching them off whenever we are using public charging outlets. In case of any cyber fraud, we should immediately report the incident at www.cybercrime.gov.in or call 1930.
