FBI warning: do not use the public USB interface, beware of malware installed by lawbreakers

CTOnews.com, April 11 (Xinhua)-- the Federal Bureau of investigation (FBI) last week warned users to stay away from public USB interfaces because of the risk of malware.

"avoid using free charging docks in airports, hotels or shopping malls," FBI said on its official tweet. "lawbreakers have found a way to use public USB interfaces to infiltrate malware and surveillance software into devices. Bring your own charger and USB cable, and switch to power outlets."

If malware is transferred to a computer, tablet, or smartphone using a public USB port, hackers can access sensitive data on the device, steal usernames and passwords, hijack email, steal funds from online accounts, and so on. The only way to stay safe is to charge with your own USB cable in public, which can effectively prevent this potential attack.

CTOnews.com found that FBI had a similar warning on its website that people should not use free charging docks. FBI also warned against using public Wi-Fi for sensitive transactions, opening suspicious files, using the same password for all accounts and clicking on unsolicited links in text messages and emails.