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PrakarsaWarga.Com – Amid the growing threat of cybercrime, the public is urged to be more cautious when charging devices in public places. This is because seemingly ordinary charging cables can be modified to steal personal data or infiltrate malware onto phones and laptops.
This practice has not yet occurred on a mass scale, but cybersecurity experts warn that the technology already exists and has the potential to be exploited by digital criminals in the future.
Don’t Just Borrow Any Charger Cable
The habit of borrowing a charger cable at airports, hotels, train stations, or other public locations is still common when your phone battery is running low. While seemingly convenient, this practice carries a security risk that should not be underestimated.
Cybersecurity expert Charles Henderson , Global Managing Partner and Head of X-Force Red at IBM Security, reminds people not to carelessly use cables belonging to strangers.
According to Henderson, there are some items you shouldn’t borrow, including charger cables. He even likened them to personal clothing, which is safer to buy yourself than to borrow someone else’s.
Charger Cables Can Be Infiltrated by Malware
Henderson explains that hackers are now able to modify charging cables with tiny electronic components so that they still look like regular cables.
Malware can be inserted into the cable, allowing the attacker to remotely take over the device after the cable is used.
At a cybersecurity conference, a security researcher successfully demonstrated a modified Lightning cable. Once the cable is used to connect a device to a computer, an attacker can remotely access the system and even erase traces of the malware, making it difficult to detect.
This type of technology is more often used to attack specific targets than randomly. However, experts believe the risk could increase as the production costs of such devices become lower.
The Bigger Threat Lies in Public USB Ports
In addition to charger cables, Henderson also reminded the public to be wary of USB charging stations available in public places.
According to him, several cases have shown that USB ports have been modified to steal data from connected devices. This risk differs from using a regular electrical outlet, as USB ports can act as data communication channels in addition to supplying electrical power.
Therefore, users are advised to use a personal adapter that plugs directly into a wall outlet rather than connecting the device to a USB port whose safety is unknown.
Safe Tips for Charging Your Device
To reduce the risk of data theft, here are some steps you can take:
- Use your own cable and charger.
- Avoid borrowing cables from unknown people.
- Choose a power outlet over a public USB port.
- Use a personal adapter or power bank when traveling.
- Enable device security features and regularly update the operating system.
As technology advances, cybercrime methods continue to evolve. Therefore, increasing vigilance around the devices you use daily is a simple but crucial step in keeping your personal data secure.
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