Beware Of USB Charger Scam; Know The Threats & How To Ensure Safety

New Delhi: Scamsters and fraudsters are growing in number alarmingly in India.

Now, there’s a new threat.

If you haven‘t already heard of it, be informed about the USB charger scam.

The government has issued an advisory cautioning people against the utilisation of phone charging stations in well-populated public areas such as airports, cafes, hotels and bus terminals.

The advisory seeks to alert individuals about potential risks posed by the ‘USB charger scam,’ urging them to be vigilant when charging devices while on the move.

As it turns out, the USB charger scam poses a substantial risk as cybercriminals take advantage of individuals who use public charging stations without suspicion. The fraudsters utilise a method called juice-jacking, whereby they compromise USB charging ports to carry out cyberattacks on connected devices.

Juice-jacking allows cybercriminals to steal sensitive user data or implant malware onto devices connected to compromised charging points. When individuals unwittingly plug their devices into these compromised ports, they unknowingly subject themselves to potential data theft, malware installation, or even ransom demands for hijacked devices.

To protect against such threats, it is crucial for the public to take proactive measures:

>> Look for Electrical Wall Outlets or Carry Personal Cables/Power Banks: Opt for traditional electrical wall outlets whenever possible, or alternatively, carry personal charging cables or power banks to avoid the use of public USB charging stations.

>> Secure or Lock Your Device and Avoid Pairing with Unknown Devices: Implement device security measures such as locking your device with a PIN or password, and refrain from pairing with unfamiliar or untrusted devices to mitigate the risk of unauthorised access or data compromise.

>> Consider Charging Your Phone When It Is Turned Off: Charging your device while it is powered off can reduce the risk of potential cyberattacks, as it minimises the device’s exposure to external threats.

In the event of encountering cyber fraud or suspicious activity, individuals have been advised to report any such incident promptly. They can do so by visiting www.cybercrime.gov.in or contacting the authorities at 1930.