Next time you are out and need to charge your phone, whatever you do, avoid using public charging stations.

We all have had those moments in the past when your phone is at 10% and you need to charge it immediately. You're in a public space and your prayers have been answered by a public charging station. You see a lot of these stations at airports, hotels, malls, and other shopping centers. So, you plug your phone in, wait a bit, and then go about your day without worrying about your phone dying. However, by doing that, you could be putting yourself in danger.

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FBI Warns Not to Use Public Phone Chargers

While it's very tempting to plug your phone in to let it get a good charge at these public charging stations, it's not very wise to do. The FBI is now warning that even though they are free, using one of them could be very costly for you.

It should come as no surprise that "bad guys" have figured out ways to use public USB ports to introduce malware and monitoring software onto devices. This also applies to using public WiFi too. According to the FBI:

<p>Be careful when connecting to a public Wi-Fi network and do not conduct any sensitive transactions, including purchases, when on a public network.</p><p>Avoid using free charging stations in airports, hotels, or shopping centers. Bad actors have figured out ways to use public USB ports to introduce malware and monitoring software onto devices that access these ports. Carry your own charger and USB cord and use an electrical outlet instead.</p>

So, whether you are in Indiana or anywhere for that matter, avoid using public charging stations. Bring your own charger and use a nearby outlet. Better yet, get yourself one of those portable chargers that you can take with you anywhere. They are slim and could fit into a pocket or a purse easily. Also, while you might want to connect to the public WiFi network in the area so that you could check Facebook or what's going on in the world elsewhere, be advised that by doing that, you put yourself at risk of being hacked.

What are the Meanings of Secret Codes You Might Hear While Shopping

On rare occasions, there will be announcements made using secret codes that only employees understand at the store. Some of these are pretty scary and if you hear them, you will want to exit the store ASAP.

12 Shrewd Email Tactics Hackers Use To Rip You Off

Computer hackers are working full-time nowadays --not only to hold major corporations hostage with ransomware -but they're also hard at work trying to gain access to private computers and personal information of unsuspecting victims. Surrendering access to these schemers could have disastrous consequences, but sometimes it can be difficult to tell what's legitimate and what's not. That's why I'm sharing 12 emails I've personally received that appear to be as bogus as a three-dollar bill.

No doubt, you have received very similar emails in your inbox and wondered if they were legit. A good rule of thumb to follow is when you receive an email from an unverified source - do not, under any circumstance click on anything in the email or download any attachments. That is exactly how hackers can gain instant access to your computer and your information.

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