FBI Warns People To Not Use Public Charging Stations For Phones

[Eric Graham]

This may affect a number of wonderful Disney people traveling. The FBI has warned people in a recent article I just read saying that charging stations can infect people's phone with malware.

 

[esskay]

It needs a bit of common sense really. Sure, dont trust that random usb outlet in an unknown shop, mall seating area, coffee shop, etc.

But the ones on airplanes, and in Disney parks and hotel rooms are highly unlikely to be a significant risk, especially hotel rooms where it would be blindingly obvious to any nafarious person that figuring out it was them would take mear hours.

USB charging outlets have existed for over a decade, the ability to 'hijack' them isn't a recent thing, it's always been possible.

 

[Smiley/OCD]

It needs a bit of common sense really. Sure, dont trust that random usb outlet in an unknown shop, mall seating area, coffee shop, etc.

But the ones on airplanes, and in Disney parks and hotel rooms are highly unlikely to be a significant risk, especially hotel rooms where it would be blindingly obvious to any nafarious person that figuring out it was them would take mear hours.

USB charging outlets have existed for over a decade, the ability to 'hijack' them isn't a recent thing, it's always been possible.

I don’t understand why people just don’t bring their cords and plug it into an outlet…even at the airport.

 

[NelleBelle]

My DH has preached this for years. He's in software and makes sure we carry our own power banks to charge when we're somewhere like WDW. In the room, we use our cords and plugs. We also never log onto public wifi.

 

[JIMINYCR]

These days it doesn’t matter where you go there’s always someone out to steal from you so everyone must be leery about everything and always be careful with devices. If it involves tech you know someone has already figured out how to get past security to take advantage of you. Even the most cautious can get hurt.