Wireless charging device are usually secure (Picture: Getty)
Wireless chargers could give criminals a way in to hack and fry your phone.
New research from the University of Florida discovered a method named the VoltSchemer that aims to exploit two specific features commonly found in wireless chargers.
The researchers targeted the way wireless charges communicate information – through a magnetic field – and then found a loophole in the lack of encryption in the device that allows it to charge any phone.
In the process, they revealed that wireless charges are susceptible to middle-man attacks.
‘Our research identified new vulnerabilities in wireless charging systems, making them susceptible to intentional electromagnetic interference,’ said a member of the team.
‘These vulnerabilities facilitate a set of novel attack vectors, enabling adversaries to manipulate the charger and perform a series of attacks.’
All hackers need are a malicious power source (Picture: Getty)
Usually, wireless chargers are more protected than wired chargers when it comes to accessing any data pathways.
However, when the researchers modified the power signals used on Qi chargers, they could control the communication between the charger and the charged device and instruct the charger to perform malicious actions.
But that’s not all. The charger could even damage devices being charged through overcharging or overheating, effectively ‘frying’ your phone.
The researchers created ‘malicious’ power adapters that were disguised as wall USB sockets, which allowed them to create a voltage nice that could intercept and send their own commands to the wireless charger, as well as block any Qi messages sent by the smartphone.
The scary part is that the VoltSchemer requires no modification, just a place for a malicious power source in a location that could lure in anyone.
However, personal charging ports such as the one at home, or portable chargers are likely to be safe, and if you’re worried you could try using your own plug that you can attach to a power source.
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