FBI warns consumers of malware threat to phones from public charging stations

‘Juice jacking’ from public USB charging ports in airports, malls and hotels could give hackers access to sensitive information

The FBI is alerting consumers not to use public charging stations, warning that fraudsters could infect such machines with malware and steal their data.

In the newly released warnings, bureau officials cautioned customers to avoid using public USB charging ports in airports, malls and hotels, noting that hackers could use the opportunity to access a person’s phone or tablet.