Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi
New Delhi, Apr 2: In a bid to raise awareness about the growing threat of the ‘USB charger scam’, the Centre has issued a stern warning to citizens, advising against the use of public phone charging portals in commonly frequented areas such as airports, cafes, hotels, and bus stands. The cautionary alert aims to educate individuals about the risks associated with using public charging stations and urges them to exercise vigilance while charging their devices on the go.
The USB charger scam poses a significant risk to unsuspecting individuals as cyber criminals exploit public charging stations through a tactic known as ‘juice-jacking’. This method involves compromising USB charging ports to launch cyber-attacks on connected devices, enabling criminals to steal sensitive user data, implant malware, or even hijack devices for ransom.
To combat these threats, individuals are urged to take proactive measures to safeguard their devices and personal information:
Prefer electrical wall outlets or carry personal charging equipment: Whenever possible, opt for traditional electrical wall outlets or carry personal charging cables or power banks to avoid using public USB charging stations.
Secure 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 unauthorized access or data compromise.
Consider charging your device when turned off: Charging your device while it is powered off can reduce the risk of potential cyber-attacks as it minimizes the device's exposure to external threats.
In the event of encountering cyber fraud or suspicious activity, individuals are encouraged to report incidents promptly. They can do so by visiting www.cybercrime.gov.in or by contacting the authorities at 1930.
The government's warning underscores the importance of staying vigilant and taking necessary precautions to protect against cyber threats in today's digitally connected world. By adopting these proactive measures, individuals can help safeguard their personal information and devices from falling prey to cyber criminals.