The FBI issues a public warning against the use of charging stations. This is because of the possible danger they may cause to the data safety and privacy of their users. According to the report, cyber attackers use public charging stations in airports and malls to spread harmful software to any device connected to them. If a USB kiosk is infected with harmful software, any device that is plugged into it could potentially be infected as well. This attack, known as ‘juice jacking’, exposes users’ text messages, files, banking information, and passwords at risk. This type of attack is possible because the same cables used for charging are also capable of transferring data from one device to another.

Because of this, the agency advised the public to avoid using public charging stations as much as possible. They further recommend that people bring their own chargers and cables when traveling. Another option is for them to bring portable power banks. Updating the security details of mobile devices is a great way to avoid these cyberattacks as well.