Scammers go to extreme lengths to access sensitive information, even weaponising chargers. (Image: Getty)
A expert has revealed why you should never borrow a charging cable for your smartphone from a stranger – for a surprising reason.
The devices have become an indispensable part of daily life for many people, all of whom will be familiar with the frustration of seeing the dreaded low battery symbol while out and about.
Your first instinct might be to ask loved ones if they’ve got one with them – or perhaps even ask a member of the public.
But Henry Purchase, a expert and founder of , advises against doing so, warning that doing so could open up your data to hackers.
“Chargers may look perfectly innocent, but they can wreak havoc on your phone or laptop,” he said. Hackers load these cables with malware in a scam called ‘juice jacking.’
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Henry advises against using chargers left plugged into public ports. (Image: Getty)
“If you plug one of these cables into a device, whether it’s through a laptop, USB charging station, or even public outlets, the malware can silently infect your phone, giving the cybercriminals full access to your data.”
Using this rouse, scammers launch various attacks on your device, with the ability to lock phones, obtain passwords and record keystrokes, reports.
It’s now common to see charging ports at restaurants and bars, which may be enticing if your battery is running critically low.
But using them could put you at risk of a juice jack, as scammers often intentionally leave their manipulated cables in these public ports.
Henry recommends avoiding these charging stations entirely, saying: “Instead, always opt for a good old-fashioned electrical outlet, or carry your own charging cables.
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“And don’t trust those free promotional chargers either,” he added.
Henry advises shopping with a trusted retailer when replacing an old cable and to never use one that’s not your own, “and if you’re really worried, consider getting a data blocker”.
“A USB data blocker, often dubbed a ‘USB condom’, is a nifty little device that sits between your phone and the charger, preventing any unwanted malware from slipping through,” the tech expert said.
Warning signs that your phone may have fallen prey to a ‘juice jacking’
- A noticeable slowdown in your phone’s performance
- Phone is overheating
- Battery life depleting faster than normal
- Using up unusually large amounts of data
- Changes to the settings you normally have