Charging Cell Phone on Public Place Could Bring Great Risk

70% of tablet owners and 53% of smartphone / mobile phone owners stated that they use public Wi-Fi hotspots. However, because data sent through public Wi-Fi can easily be intercepted, many mobile device and laptop users are risking the security of their personal information, digital identity and money. Furthermore, if their device or computer is not protected by an effective security and anti-malware product... the risks are even greater.

With coffee shops, hotels, shopping malls, airports and many other locations offering their customers free access to public Wi-Fi, it’s a convenient way to check your emails, catch up on social networking or surf the web when you’re out and about. However, cybercriminals will often spy on public Wi-Fi networks and intercept data that is transferred across the link. In this way, the criminal can access users’ banking credentials, account passwords and other valuable information.

Secondly, while you try to charge Just by plugging your phone into a [compromised] power strip or charger, your device is now infected, and that compromises all your data. That comfort could be shattered by an invisible attacker collecting information while your phone is plugged in to a hacked outlet. Public charging stations and wi-fi access points are found in places like airports, planes, conference centers and parks, so people can always have access to their phones and data. But connecting your phone to an unknown port has its risks.

The reason being the cord you use to charge your phone is also used to send data from your phone to other devices. For instance, when you plug your iPhone into your Mac with the charging cord, you can download photos from your phone to your computer. If a port is compromised, there's no limit to what information a hacker could take. Suggestion is, you shouldn't use USB ports -- instead, invest in a portable USB batter pack . You can also buy USB cords that don't have wires to transmit data and prevent anyone high-jacking your phone's information. it's always advisable to just rely on your own charger.

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