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Written by: 9/2/2011 10:45 AM
So this is kind of interesting: apparently, it might be unsafe to plug your iPad, iPod, iPhone or other phone with USB capabilities into a public port.
I don’t know. Maybe I’m a bit of a cynic now, having read and blogged about so many different ways that hackers can skim, scam, and otherwise wreak havoc. But this one seemed like a no-brainer. Anytime you plug your device into a public port, you are putting yourself at risk to become a target of “juice jacking.”
But in this day and age, when no one can be without a fully functioning, fully powered device, travelers need to be able to charge up at all times. And if you’ve forgotten your own charger (or packed it away with your shampoo and other hazardous liquids), then your only option is a public USB at the airport.
To be fair, most of the public charging stations are probably safe. Malls, airports, and other public locations take care to set up stations that are both safe and convenient for patrons. But, just like ATM machines, clever hackers have found ways to beat the controls and either hack existing stations or even create fake ones that spread malware and skim information.
This isn’t a super serious threat, though. It’s just one more thing to be aware of. I know if I need to charge my phone to call home, I will definitely plug in just like the rest of the world—just like I’ll continue to get cash from ATMs, without first unscrewing and dismantling the whole machine to search for skimming devices.
But next time I travel, I’ll really try to remember to slide that charger in next to my paperback. Better safe than sorry, after all.
Read more here: http://tinyurl.com/3rbuuvv