Skip to main content

The Risks of Connecting Devices to Public Charging Stations

The following information comes courtesy of the
 New Jersey Cybersecurity & Communications Integration Cell

Public cell phone charging stations supplied with power cables or USB ports located in stores, airports, libraries, and schools may seem like a convenient way to charge your mobile devices on-the-go, but can you be sure that your device and data will be safe if you connect? These kiosks can contain concealed computers that attempt to extract data such as contact information, photos, and videos from connected devices, unbeknownst to the users. Additionally, malicious or compromised charging stations can expose devices to the risk of a malware infection. Even if the charging station isn’t malicious, the manufacturer or owner of the kiosk may require users to input their email addresses or phone numbers in order to charge their devices, potentially exposing them to unwanted marketing campaigns, spam emails, and scam calls. The NJCCIC recommends ensuring your devices are charged before leaving your home or office to reduce the likelihood that using a public kiosk or charging station will be necessary. We also recommend carrying a wall charger, an extra battery, or a portable battery pack if you need to charge your device throughout the day. Before purchasing USB charging cables, make sure they are marked as “power only” to prevent the accidental transfer of data. Additionally, lock your phone with a passcode, PIN, or biometric authenticator to prevent unauthorized access and, if using a public charging station is unavoidable, be sure your device is powered off while charging.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Police Report: May 8-11

Friday May 8th : 3400 block of 11 Newton Street : At about 2 pm officers responded for the report of a woman who had been assaulted by her boyfriend. The boyfriend allegedly punched the woman in the mouth and choked her. She told the officers that she did not want any police assistance and refused to tell the officers what had occurred. She was referred to the District Court Commissioner if she decided to press charges at a later time. Saturday May 9th : Nothing significant to report. Sunday May 10th : 4500 block of Eastern Avenue (BP station) : At about 11 am officers responded for the report of a stolen auto. The officers met with the victim/owner who told them that he left the keys to his 2002 Lincoln on the front seat when he went inside to pay for gas. When he came out of the store he saw his Lincoln being driven up Eastern Avenue towards Rhode Island Avenue by a black male (no further description). A check of the area for the stolen car proved negative and a lookout for it was gi...
5 comments
Read more

Police Report: August 19-25

August 25 th : 3300 block of Chauncey Place : Vehicle impound – 12:45pm. Officers patrolling with a mobile license plate reader received a notification that the tags on a Mazda were suspended. However, the tags were displayed on a 2003 Dodge Durango. The Dodge was unregistered so it was impounded and the tags were seized for return to MVA. 4000 block of 34 th Street : Trespassing – 2:05pm. Officers responded for the report of a disorderly subject at ZZ Pizza. When the officers arrived they detained the highly intoxicated subject and learned that he had entered the restaurant and demanded food. They also learned that the owners had previously banned him from the restaurant. He was arrested, charged with trespassing and delivered to the custody of DOC in Upper Marlboro. 3200 block of Queenstown Drive : Traffic/vehicle impound – 9:50pm. Officers stopped a 1999 Honda Accord for a traffic violation. Further investigation revealed that the driver did not have a driver...
2 comments
Read more

Police Report: October 8-10

October 8th : 4600 block of 29th Street : At about 3 pm officers took a report of a citizen armed robbery . The victim told the officers that he was approached by two men wearing ski masks. One of the men pointed a handgun at him and robbed him of his cell phone and cash. The two suspects got into a black SUV and fled the area. The victim was not able to provide a description of the suspects or a more detailed description of the SUV. PGPD detectives responded to the scene and assisted with the investigation. 2900 block of Arundel Road : At about 9:45 pm officers investigated a residential burglary . The victim/resident told the officers that she left her apartment at about 4 pm. At about 9:45 pm a downstairs neighbor discovered that the victim’s door had been pried open and called police. The victim reported numerous pieces of jewelry, two computers, two iPhones, and a home theater system missing from the apartment. No further evidence or witnesses were located. October 9th : 4...
Post a Comment
Read more