“That means, anytime a user connects to a USB port for a charge, they could also be opening up a pathway to move data between devices-a capability threat actors could abuse to steal data or install malware,” explains antivirus software vendor Malwarebytes Labs in a 2019 post. The trick is that the design of smartphones uses the same port for charging as it does for data transfer - as shown when you plug your phone into your computer for a charge and a notice pops up on the desktop asking if you want to transfer files.

You could become a victim of ‘juice jacking,’ a new cyber-theft tactic,” the Federal Communications Commission warned in an October 2021 bulletin. “Be aware that juicing up your electronic device at free USB port charging stations … could have unfortunate consequences.

The phenomena known as “juice jacking” is not new, nor was the FBI the first agency to try to put out the word. “Carry your own charger and USB cord and use an electrical outlet instead.” Bad actors have figured out ways to use public USB ports to introduce malware and monitoring software onto devices,” the FBI’s Denver field office recently tweeted. Then you boast that you use just an antivirus product and firewall tech. My point was that according to Malwarebytes themselves, their product is not considered an antivirus. “Avoid using free charging stations in airports, hotels or shopping centers. Download Malwarebytes free to scan and remove malware from your device, or get proactive protection with Malwarebytes Premium. Malwarebytes also protects you from known threats while surfing the web, and warns against bad websites and internet neighborhoods.

Harried traveler beware: those dangling chords from a free charge kiosk at an airport or other public area that seem like a lifesaver could actually be a bed of serpents, authorities warn. Its a scanner with a paid anti-malware suite.

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