Stop Using Public USB Ports to Charge Your Phone

[jpak]

https://lifehacker.com/stop-using-public-usb-ports-to-charge-your-phone-1839906505

Battery power is one of those things that’s always at a premium, especially when you’re traveling and need to use one of the precious few power outlets at the airport to keep your device charged.

This week, the LA County District Attorney’s office put out a warning to remind everyone of one way you shouldn’t keep that device charged: a public USB port.

We warned people about using public USB ports back in May.

The issue is that public USB ports can potentially be hacked so that they install data-stealing malware onto your phone while you charge up. Called “juice-jacking,” the hack could result in scammers getting access to your passwords, personal information and more. Not exactly worth it for a few more minutes of Candy Crush, right?

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[rickford66]

1. I've heard rumors of a device called an AC/DC/USB adapter.

[defacto7]

2. Yes, and it uses a thing called a plug or sometimes technically an electrical outlet.

A fascinating device and it's dumb as a board.

[rickford66]

4. So these so-called "things" are readily available ?

And can be used where AC power is available ?

[defacto7]

7. Yes. If you have a sharp eye and keen understanding of reality

you should be able to find these "things" lurkiing in low places though they can surprise and be found on long wirey extentions where they gather to procreate.

[Cirque du So-What]

3. But it creates an unsightly bulge

and there's also the possibility of having to plug the cable into the adaptor in addition to plugging into an AC outlet and the phone itself. What a hassle!

[rickford66]

5. I there a user manual available online ?

This is getting too complicated.

[defacto7]

8. I don't know. My battery is dead.

[Nictuku]

6. I carry a battery recharger when I travel

... Yeah, it is kind of heavy in my backpack, but it has come in very handy (esp. with delayed flights)

[stopdiggin]

10. same. power pack.

and I've bailed not only myself but a few other hapless mopes in the past. (most recently a young woman who couldn't access her e-ticket QR code on a dead phone) There are things beyond Candy Crush people.

(in fairness .. battery life, and predictability, can sometimes be total crap in an older phone. it happens.)

[Ron Obvious]

9. I've only ever used them at public libraries

The computer then wipes everything between sessions. I agree that this is not 100% guaranteed safe, but you have to make these trade-offs.

I suppose I could use a power-only cable if all I wanted was power.

[MicaelS]

11. Battery Banks are so cheap...

It is silly not to buy one or more.

BUT..be away when you fly there are restrictions on the mAH capacity.

This links to an FAA pdf file.

https://www.faa.gov/hazmat/packsafe/resources/media/Airline_passengers_and_batteries.pdf