USB Charger Scam Alert – Don’t Get Juice Jacked

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA, UNITED STATES

12.05.2019

Story by Bruce Drake 

Defense Finance and Accounting Service

A USB charger scam is starting to occur at many free charging stations in airports and other locations around the country is "Juice-Jacking." Hackers are using USB charging cables or even the USB Port with embedded malware chips to hack various mobile devices that plug into the charging stations for a battery charge.

The malware allows the hackers to access financial or sensitive accounts linked to the device. It also blocks access to the device until a ransom is paid or it downloads all sensitive items from the device's data storage.

Here are three FBI recommended steps to regain control of your infected device in the event your mobile device is infected with ransomware:
1.Take a picture of the screen with another device's camera and then turn off it off to prevent any additional data from being downloaded.
2.Take the device to the nearest service provider to remove the malware or do a system wipe of the device to bring it back to its factory default. This is the recommended process as many users do not do regular backup of their own devices or can't afford to lose the data currently stored on the device. Service providers can bring the device back to its base Operating System without losing stored data on the device.
◾NOTE: Contact your service provider immediately if you suspect malware on your cellular device. Service providers may be able to fix the device over the phone.
3.Finally, take the device and the photo of the screen to your local police station to file a police report to help with any potential personal insurance claims on the device or any monetary loss claims with your financial institutions. Report where the suspected malware came from (Indianapolis International Airport, Terminal A, Samsung charging station). This will help authorities investigate and remove it from use if it is found to have a malware programming.

There are several more ransomware prevention tips from the FBI at this link: FBI Ransomware PSA

If you are traveling this season, here are three helpful tips on keeping your phone safe:
◦Use an AC outlet and not a USB charging station. The AC Adapter doesn't have a data transfer capability that standard USB power cables have.
◦Take AC and car chargers for your devices when traveling. The convenience of USB chargers in airports and hotels is a potential entry-point for malware.
◦Consider buying a portable charger or backup battery for your device to minimize exposure to infected USB power outlets during long periods of travel or use away from home.

This article was built with the assistance of a Los Angeles district attorney office Fraud Alert broadsheet linked here USB Juice Jack and FBI Broadsheet on the dangers of "Juice Jacking."

If you are a victim of any cyber-attack or ransomware, the FBI can be contacted through its 24/7 Cyber Watch at www.fbi.gov/contact-us/field or [e-mail] or [phone].

• Date Taken: 12.05.2019
• Date Posted: 12.31.2019 12:39
• Story ID: 357855
• Location: INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA, US