![Customers are advised by the FBI not to utilize public phone charging stations.](https://sikapaonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/E-D-Davies-Scholarships-for-International-Students-at-Fitzwilliam-College-UK.png)
In 2017, Drew Paik, who was previously employed at security company Authentic8, stated, “Your device is now infected, and that compromises all your data, just by plugging your phone into a [compromised] power strip or charger.”
Data can be sent from your phone to other devices using the same wire that charges it. For example, you can transfer images from your iPhone to your computer by connecting it to your Mac via the charging cable.
As Paik has stated, there’s no limit to what information a hacker may obtain if a port is exploited. This applies to all of your contacts, emails, texts, and images.
“Reminders and PSAs are frequently distributed by the FBI in collaboration with our partners,” stated Vikki Migoya, the FBI’s Denver branch’s public affairs officer. “The American public was kindly reminded to exercise caution and safety, particularly when traveling.”