Why You Should Never Borrow a Phone Charger: Cybersecurity Risks You Should Know

Imagine you're out and about, and your phone battery starts to dwindle. You might be tempted to borrow a charger from a fellow traveler or a hotel staff member, but cybersecurity experts strongly advise against it.

Why You Should Never Borrow a Charger

Think of it this way: you wouldn't borrow underwear from a stranger, right? The same principle applies to chargers. Just as you'd buy new underwear when you're in a bind, buying a new charger is the safest option.

Hackers can easily plant malware on chargers that can hijack your phone or computer remotely. Imagine using a seemingly harmless charger to connect your iPhone to your Mac and suddenly finding your computer under someone else's control. This is exactly what one hacker, nicknamed "MG," demonstrated at a recent conference. He showed how a modified Lightning cable could not only access a Mac's IP address but also allow him to remotely control it.

While this type of attack isn't widespread yet, experts warn that it's only a matter of time. The technology is inexpensive and easily concealed, making it a serious threat.

The Dangers of Public Charging Stations

A bigger concern right now, however, is the prevalence of malicious public USB charging stations. These stations, often found in airports and other public spaces, are a prime target for modification by hackers. So, exercise caution when plugging your devices into these stations.

Stay Safe: Tips for Protecting Your Devices

• Don't borrow chargers. If you're caught with a dying phone, consider buying a new charger or using your phone's power saving mode.
• Avoid public charging stations. Stick to using wall outlets when possible.
• Be mindful of what you plug into your devices. It's always better to be safe than sorry.
• Keep your devices updated with the latest security patches. This helps protect your devices from vulnerabilities that hackers can exploit.

Remember, your digital security is paramount. Be vigilant and stay informed.