FBI warns against using public USB charging ports

https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/fbi-warns-public-charging-stations/story?id=98503419

There is a discussion on Hacker News, but feel free to comment here as well.

35 points · 8 comments · view on lemmy.world

8 Comments

Isnt that why usb charge only cables are a thing? :')

Power banks. I'm a huge proponent of them because it solves this problem while also not keeping you stuck at an outlet somewhere.

You can charge the portable power bank at any USB port: computer, wall USB, airport, clock radio, airplane, vehicle, public kiosk, etc. Then it'll keep a charge for weeks and allow you to charge your devices anywhere. And because it doesn't have storage capability at all, you'll never be susceptible to this kind of attack...

Deplorable_Oracle@discuss.tchncs.de · 7 pts · 2y

Don't forget your USB condoms

jmcs@discuss.tchncs.de · 5 pts · 2y (3 replies)

Is there any evidence that this kind of attack has ever been used?

FireTower@lemmy.world · 5 pts · 2y (1 reply)

I'm pretty sure that the FBI issued the warning just intended on posting a cyber security best practice every day people could use. Then the media latched onto it as if it was an emergency announcement.

jmcs@discuss.tchncs.de · -1 pts · 2y

Cargo culting security in a way that decreases convenience makes people less likely to follow security advice that mitigates an actual threat. Spending good will credit on far-fetched threats is foolish.

Case@lemmynsfw.com · 4 pts · 2y

Yes, but no.

It has been executed as a proof of concept, but security is part of my job and I haven't heard of it being used in a real world example... if it did, my boss would have sent out a company wide blast.

SHITPOSTING_ACCOUNT@feddit.de · -2 pts · 2y

"CDC warns against using public flashlights"