The Denver FBI office recently tweeted a admonition not to use public USB speech sound file stations , and it seems like a good excuse to prompt everyone about this sound advice : Never secure your iPhone , iPad , or Mac into any USB gimmick or cable you do not control .

The Denver FBI office ’s tweet echo ’s the agency’sadvice for protect your data and gimmick online . The FCC impart exchangeable warnings against using public USB chargers , warn of “ juice jacking”–the practice of using public USB embrasure to load up malware onto devices .

Apple does its best to scale down this threat , but these aegis are never perfect . On an iPhone or iPad , you might see a “ Trust this computing machine ” command prompt when plugging into a public USB charging port wine . If you see this , donotselect “ Trust ” and or else straightaway disconnect your iPhone . You may instead see an “ accessory not supported ” warning . Again , your best bet is to remove your gadget if you see either of these prompts .

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However reckon on how sophisticated the attack is , these prompting might be short-circuit . Juice jacking , as it ’s called , can come from the USB port itself or from a malicious cable – and they often look genuine . If at all possible , avoid using any in public - available USB larboard or cable .

Stick to electrical outlets

The best way to charge your iPhone in public is to use your own charger instead of a public USB port . Most public charging stations also hold electrical outlets , so you should use your own charger and cable in one of those .

There are lots of affordable compact USB - carbon power adapters available these days and even small model with multiple ports and high electrical power limits that can charge a MacBook and iPhone or iPad at the same time . Check out ourUSB - C chargers guidefor passport , or seize a compactUSB - C charger made for MacBooksthat will also act upon gravid for your iPhone or iPad .