Community Corner

Don't Talk to Strangers — Your iPhone Will Thank You

A simple iPhone charger can be turned into a hacking device.

Cyber hackers are a constant threat in this ever-digitizing world.

We're all learning the rules. Don't click the mystery link in your email. Don't share credit card information online on unsafe sites. Be wary of too-good-to-be-true Craigslist offers.

Researchers from the Georgia Institute of Technology say you can add this one to the list: Don't use a stranger's iPhone charger. 

According to new findings, an attacker can hide hacking software into seemingly normal looking white Apple iPhone charging devices. 

The Huffington Post reported that the researchers were able to develop the hacking device "on a very small budget," meaning hackers with more time and resources could easily construct a high-powered data stealing tool even more incognito than what has already been created. 

It is unknown if such a device is already in use by active hackers, but we now know that it is certainly possible.

The moral of the story is, if you want to avoid the risk, charge your own phone. 

You can buy iPhone accessories at the Apple Stores in Palo Alto at 340 University Ave. and 183 Stanford Shopping Center or the location in San Mateo at 340 W. Hillsdale Blvd. as well as many other large retailers. 


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