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Why You Should Never Borrow a Phone Charger: Cybersecurity Risks You Should Know

Why You Should Never Borrow a Phone Charger: Cybersecurity Risks You Should Know

Imagine you're out and about, and your phone battery starts to dwindle. You might be tempted to borrow a charger from a fellow traveler or a hotel staff member, but cybersecurity experts strongly advise against it.

Why You Should Never Borrow a Charger

Think of it this way: you wouldn't borrow underwear from a stranger, right? The same principle applies to chargers. Just as you'd buy new underwear when you're in a bind, buying a new charger is the safest option.

Hackers can easily plant malware on chargers that can hijack your phone or computer remotely. Imagine using a seemingly harmless charger to connect your iPhone to your Mac and suddenly finding your computer under someone else's control. This is exactly what one hacker, nicknamed "MG," demonstrated at a recent conference. He showed how a modified Lightning cable could not only access a Mac's IP address but also allow him to remotely control it.

While this type of attack isn't widespread yet, experts warn that it's only a matter of time. The technology is inexpensive and easily concealed, making it a serious threat.

The Dangers of Public Charging Stations

A bigger concern right now, however, is the prevalence of malicious public USB charging stations. These stations, often found in airports and other public spaces, are a prime target for modification by hackers. So, exercise caution when plugging your devices into these stations.

Stay Safe: Tips for Protecting Your Devices

Remember, your digital security is paramount. Be vigilant and stay informed.