The FBI is warning consumers to avoid using free public charging stations because hackers have found a way to infect devices with malware. That’s right, your phone, tablet, or computer could be at risk if you plug in at an airport, hotel, or shopping center. The FBI’s Denver field office tweeted, “Bad actors have figured out ways to use public USB ports to introduce malware and monitoring software onto devices.” Avoid using free charging stations in airports, hotels or shopping centers. Bad actors have figured out ways to use public USB ports to introduce malware and monitoring software onto devices. Carry your own charger and USB cord and use an electrical outlet instead. pic.twitter.com/9T62SYen9T— FBI Denver (@FBIDenver) April 6, 2023 Yikes! The solution? Carry your own charger and USB cord, and use an electrical outlet instead. This isn’t a new threat, folks. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has been warning about “juice jacking,” the technical term for this sneaky malware loading scheme, since 2021. Compromised USB cables can lead to stolen usernames and passwords. Not cool, hackers. .stk-475d47e{padding-top:0px !important;padding-right:0px !important;padding-bottom:0px !important;padding-left:0px !important} .stk-d46e24e{padding-top:8px !important;padding-right:32px !important;padding-bottom:8px !important;padding-left:32px !important} .stk-54f4868 .stk-block-heading__text{font-size:17px !important}@media screen and (max-width:1023px){.stk-54f4868 .stk-block-heading__text{font-size:17px !important}}What is Juice Jacking? .stk-bfd9a8d-container{padding-top:0px !important;padding-bottom:8px !important} .stk-79578b4{margin-bottom:6px !important;column-gap:15px !important}.stk-79578b4 .stk-block-text__text{font-size:16px !important}@media screen and (max-width:1023px){.stk-79578b4 .stk-block-text__text{font-size:16px !important}}Juice jacking is a hacking technique designed to steal your sensitive information without you even realizing it. .stk-f3968d3{margin-bottom:8px !important}.stk-f3968d3 .stk-block-text__text{font-size:16px !important}@media screen and (max-width:1023px){.stk-f3968d3 .stk-block-text__text{font-size:16px !important}}Here’s how it works: cybercriminals install malware onto public charging stations, waiting for unsuspecting victims…FBI issues urgent warning against public phone chargers