I watched an interesting public service message yesterday from the FBI that I thought would be good to share.
Public cell phone charging stations (Restaurants, Airport, public charging stations, anywhere) can be a wonderful convenience but they can also provide an opportunity for some folks to steal proprietary information from your phone.
Charging stations can act as a two way street, while charging you cell phone they can also download data from that phone, sort of like card readers you hear about at your Bank or the gas station. So here's how you can protect your credit card information, Bank pass words, etc. TURN THE PHONE OFF while using a charging station, even the one in your home because you never know WHO is listening.
Bob
Posts: 3351 | Location: Lakeside, Ca | Registered: February 15, 2003
Originally posted by RPROGAS: I watched an interesting public service message yesterday from the FBI that I thought would be good to share.
Public cell phone charging stations (Restaurants, Airport, public charging stations, anywhere) can be a wonderful convenience but they can also provide an opportunity for some folks to steal proprietary information from your phone.
Charging stations can act as a two way street, while charging you cell phone they can also download data from that phone, sort of like card readers you hear about at your Bank or the gas station. So here's how you can protect your credit card information, Bank pass words, etc. TURN THE PHONE OFF while using a charging station, even the one in your home because you never know WHO is listening.
Bob
Welcome to 2023..
Posts: 1291 | Location: USA | Registered: December 04, 2008
So if your phone runs out of battery charge and dies, it doesn't turn off?? How do you recharge a dead battery? Not trying to be difficult, just asking.
You could be correct that this only applies when using a USB connector. The type of connector wasn't described in the video. It was simply a public cell phone charging station but they did demonstrate that they could read all the information/ data on that cell phone.
Bob
Posts: 3351 | Location: Lakeside, Ca | Registered: February 15, 2003
Originally posted by RPROGAS: So if your phone runs out of battery charge and dies, it doesn't turn off?? How do you recharge a dead battery? Not trying to be difficult, just asking.
You could be correct that this only applies when using a USB connector. The type of connector wasn't described in the video. It was simply a public cell phone charging station but they did demonstrate that they could read all the information/ data on that cell phone.
Bob
Yes, you have to be plugged into one of the usb ports for there to be a problem. If you are plugged into a regular wall electrical outlet they can't do anything. Now if you are on the local wi-fi bad things can happen also.
Posts: 3353 | Location: KIEFER, OK. | Registered: August 17, 2007
Fwiw, I have over ½ a dozen of the battery pack cell chargers. They are inexpensive and you aren't tied to an outlet. You guys must not play poker in casinos.The USB at poker tables suck and this is just another reason not to use them. AK ♥️, All in
