FRIED PHONE
Android users warned to avoid ‘charging mistake’ that lets cybercriminals ‘fry your smartphone’ without touching it
Researchers proved the charging mistake could set fire to other objects
CYBERSECURITY experts have warned that criminals could hack into wireless chargers and fry your phone.
Researchers at the University of Florida have even published a study on the attacks.
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"Our research identified new vulnerabilities in wireless charging systems, making them susceptible to intentional electromagnetic interference.
"These vulnerabilities facilitate a set of novel attack vectors, enabling adversaries to manipulate the charger and perform a series of attacks," the researchers .
The experts have called the attack method VoltSchemer and have described in detail how it works.
They say it has the potential to affect "commercial-off-the-shelf wireless chargers."
The VoltSchemer attack method is said to aim for two specific features in common wireless chargers.
Firstly, the researchers targeted the way phones and wireless chargers communicate information.
Secondly, they exploited the lack of encryption that allows wireless chargers to charge almost any compatible phone that's placed on them.
These two factors are said to leave wireless chargers susceptible to middle-man attacks, according to.
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The researchers proved that they could create a bad-acting power adapter that looks just like a wall USB socket.
They used this to send messages to a nearby wireless charger and manipulate how it was behaving.
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It was also possible to fry objects using the hacked wireless charger.
The researchers heated a paperclip to 536°F (280°C) and were able to set documents on fire.
It's worth noting that your wireless charger at home is likely safe.
If you're worried about using wireless chargers in public try carrying your own portable charger or a plug that you can attach to a power source.
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