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Joel Katz

FBI Warning About Risk of Using Public Charging Stations

Author Joel Katz
Airport smartphone charging station. (Photo by: Jeffrey Greenberg/Education Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

When you’re phone dies or is dying, you’ll do just about anything to get some juice into that thing. You don’t want to miss Halle Berry’s naked wine-drinking social media post, your boss’s email, or the reason Taylor and Joe called it quits.

Just plugging into anything for any reason is not a good idea, and when it comes to cybersecurity the Federal Bureau of Investigations says don’t do it!

While it never entered my mind, I just happened to stock up on portable chargers for my kids that they’ll use on their class trip this week, good timing.

The FBI has issued a warning against plugging into public charging stations for your digital devices. They reference “bad actors,” and they’re not talking about Chuck Norris or Madonna who were listed as a couple of the worst actors in Hollywood. The “bad actors” they’re referring to are people who are responsible for actions that are harmful, illegal, or morally wrong, in this case, those of the Cyber variety.

In other words, crooks are hijacking charging stations.

The FBI’s Twitter account warns, “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. Carry your own charger and USB cord and use an electrical outlet instead.”

Replies included Jerry @livefree33139, “I was a victim of bank fraud 2 years back and fraud Dept told me not to ever use other wifi like at airports etc.” Romy @Romy75761113 wrote, “I have suspected this for some time now.” And Joey the Foxxo @JosephTheFox shared, “Will mention right now I do not know how it works on other phones, but on an iPhone, you will get a popup asking if the port should be allowed to share data. This is a common sign of something wrong (except for computers or other devices) and you should unplug immediately.”

So, in short, don’t go sticking your cord into any old slot you find. It’s not worth it.

I can assure you, however, that the charging station that we provide at all Magic 98.3 events is completely safe:)

 

New Jersey Enters Peak Wildfire Season

The vast majority of wildfires in New Jersey are caused by humans. That is why the New Jersey Forest Fire Service is reminding the public of important safety tips.

New Jersey has entered peak wildfire season from now through May. It is our job to help reduce the possibility of wildfires across the state when the weather warms, humidity decreases and winds pick up.

According to the NJ Department of Environmental Health, trees and buses do not have full leaves at this time of year just yet which leads to more sun reaching the forest floor. The dry underbrush acts as kindling for wildfire growth when coupled with windy days.

“The continuing impacts of climate change mean our state is experiencing more severe weather conditions, storms, wind and drought that can result in a longer wildfire season, which is why it is more important than ever that the public exercise caution and take steps to help protect their homes and property,” Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette said in a press release. “Preventing wildfires also helps avoid catastrophic releases of carbon that contribute to and exacerbate climate change.”

The NJ Department of Environmental Protection revealed that February was the 11th driest on record in the Graden State since recordkeeping started in 1985.

Since January 1, 2023, the Forest Fire Service has responded to 315 wildfires which have burned 919.75 acres. The largest of these fires was the Governors Branch in Ocean County.

In 2022, the Forest Fire Service responded to 1,175 wildfires which burned 12,664 acres. Additionally, New Jersey was in drought for nearly five months, seeing the fourth driest summer on record.

  • 8 way to help reduce wildfire risk:

  • 1.

    Don’t discard cigarettes, matches or smoking materials on the ground.

  • 2.

    Contact your nearest Forest Fire Service office for information on how to obtain a Campfire Permit.

  • 3.

    Don’t leave fires unattended. Douse them completely, until cold to the touch.

  • 4.

    Keep matches and lighters away from children. Teach youth about fire safety. Children can learn about wildfire safety with Smokey Bear’s new mobile game “Smokey’s Scouts.”

  • 5.

    Protect your home and other structures from wildfire by creating defensible space. Visit njwildfire.org for more.

  • 6.

    Ensure fire trucks can access driveways.

  • 7.

    Report suspicious vehicles and individuals to authorities.

  • 8.

    Use wood stoves and fireplaces carefully, since both can emit embers that spark fires. Fully douse ashes with water before disposal.

  • #NJForestFireService

Joel Katz is the Morning Show Personality, Assistant Program Director, Podcast Host, Voiceover artist, audio producer, and Digital Content Writer for Magic 98.3. Joel has been working in New Jersey radio since college and started at Magic in 2002 as the Morning Show Host, “I can’t think of another place where I’d fit more perfectly; it’s just a great company with awesome people.” Joel is married to Kathleen, his elementary school sweetheart (they were each other’s first dates at age 9), shares a birthday with his oldest son, Ty, and has twins, Kiera and Liam. Joel runs at least 3.1 miles every day and enjoys playing basketball, doing laundry, saving his turn signal for when he really needs it, kissing dogs through a fence, using coasters, making that cool noise by rubbing his fingers on balloons, and chasing after ping pong balls on a windy cruise ship.

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