UAE Cyber Security Council Alerts Public on Charging Port Risks
The UAE Cyber Security Council has raised concerns regarding the escalating threats associated with the use of untrusted public charging facilities. A staggering 79% of travelers unwittingly expose their personal information when charging devices at inadequately secured stations, as reported by ANI.
Juice Jacking: A Growing Concern
The Council elaborated that numerous public charging ports may harbor nefarious software or covert systems that can access personal information through so-called ‘juice jacking’ attacks. These exploits manipulate media or image transfer protocols that activate automatically upon device connection.
Warnings from the Council
In communications to the Emirates News Agency (WAM), the Cyber Security Council urged vigilance, asserting that neglecting protective measures while utilizing insecure charging ports could lead to significant data and password theft.
Furthermore, it could enable the clandestine installation of harmful software on mobile devices without user consent.
Impact on Businesses
The Council revealed that 68% of enterprises have fallen victim to attacks that originated from unreliable charging ports, triggering various data breaches and jeopardizing their digital infrastructures.
Identifying Potential Threats
The Council delineated several signs that may indicate potential exposure to these attacks, including:
- Accelerated battery depletion
- Sluggish application performance
- Frequent system crashes
- Unexpected symbols or messages appearing on the device
Preventive Measures Advised
To mitigate risks, the Cyber Security Council offered a slew of preventive guidelines, emphasizing the importance of:
- Carrying a personal charger while traveling
- Avoiding public charging stations whenever feasible
- Declining any data transfer requests during charging sessions
Enhancing Security Protocols
The Council also advocated for the implementation of two-factor authentication, utilizing biometric login features such as fingerprint or facial recognition, and conducting thorough reviews of app permissions. This ensures that unnecessary access to photos, messages, and contacts is curtailed.
Verifying Application Safety
Emphasizing the critical nature of safeguarding installed applications, the Council noted that certain apps might harbor malicious software capable of enabling hackers to pilfer personal information. The ramifications could extend to financial fraud and the theft of banking and online account details.
Cyber Pulse Initiative Launch
Recently, the Cyber Security Council initiated a weekly awareness campaign as a component of the Cyber Pulse initiative. This initiative aims to foster safe digital practices and provide direction in combating various cyber threats.
Commitment to Cybersecurity
This campaign represents a vital aspect of the UAE’s expansive efforts to cultivate a secure cyberspace, facilitating rapid digital transformation, bolstering confidence in the digital ecosystem, and heightening cybersecurity awareness across all societal segments to ensure user safety and privacy.
Source link: Livemint.com.
