Why You Should Never Use a Public Phone Charger | Information Technology | University of Pittsburgh
!

You are here

Why You Should Never Use a Public Phone Charger

Thursday, January 9, 2020 - 15:25

When your phone battery symbol has turned red and you’re about to power down, a public charging station can seem like a godsend. But before you rush over to plug in your phone, know that public charging stations aren't as safe as you think. Hackers may be lurking, ready to “juice jack” you. Learn about the dangers lurking behind that public USB port.

So what are you supposed to do when your phone’s about to die? If you’re on Pitt’s Pittsburgh campus, you can charge your phone safely from any of our Mobile Charging Stations. If you’re on the go, consider keeping a mobile battery charger with you or carrying your own USB outlet charger.