The center issued a strong warning to citizens and cautioned against using phone charging portals in commonly frequented public places such as airports, cafes, hotels and bus stops. The cautionary warning aims to raise awareness of the looming threat of the “USB charger scam” and urges individuals to be careful when charging their devices on the go.
The USB charger scam poses a significant risk as cybercriminals take advantage of the unsuspecting nature of individuals who rely on public charging stations. These malicious actors use a tactic known as “juice-jacking” where they compromise USB charging ports to launch cyber attacks on connected devices.
Juice-jacking works by allowing cybercriminals to steal sensitive user data or implant malware into devices connected to compromised charging points. When individuals innocently connect their devices to these compromised ports, they unwittingly expose themselves to potential data theft, malware installation, or even device hijacking for ransom.
Safety measures and preventive measures
Bring your own charger: If possible, use your own charger and plug it into an electrical outlet. Avoid using public charging stations, especially in high-risk places.
Portable Power Bank: Invest in a quality portable power bank so you can charge your devices on the go.
Disable auto-connect: Turn off the auto-connect feature on your device as it may unknowingly connect to malicious networks or devices while searching for a charging source.
Use secure networks: Stick to reputable and secure Wi-Fi networks whenever possible. Avoid connecting to open or unsecured networks as they can be easily manipulated by fraudsters.
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Update your software regularly: Keep your device’s software, applications and operating systems up to date. Software updates often include security patches that can help protect against known vulnerabilities.
Avoid unlocking: Don’t use your phone while it’s charging at a public station. Unlocking your device while charging may leave it vulnerable to unauthorized access.
In the event of encountering cyber fraud or suspicious activity, individuals are encouraged to report incidents immediately. They can do so by visiting www.cybercrime.gov.in or by contacting the authorities at 1930.
