Featured Image Credit: F.J. Jimenez / Sammyvision / Getty
Wireless charging was a game changer when they were introduced - freeing us from those annoying cables.
Just like wireless earphones, the less cables, the better.
However, there’s a hidden risk with wireless charging that you might not be aware of.
While it’s super convenient, it could leave your phone more vulnerable to hacks.
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Researchers from the University of Florida have been investigating whether wireless chargers could be used to hack phones, and their findings are pretty alarming.
What they found was a loophole in the way that wireless chargers work due to the lack of encryption built into that process.
The investigators explained: "Our research identified new vulnerabilities in wireless charging systems, making them susceptible to intentional electromagnetic interference."
In simpler terms, the team developed a method called VoltSchemer that could alter the power signals flowing between the charger and phone.
This allowed them to control the communication between the two devices.
With this, researchers were able to let the charger attack the phone - to the point of physical damage.
You'll probably have noticed that your phone tends to get pretty warm when it's charging too.
Well, the researchers took this up a notch and actually proved that the wireless charger could overheat and fry devices.
The most worrying part of all, the team said, was that many wouldn't be able to tell a good wireless charger from a compromised one very easily.
The issue isn’t with the charging pad itself, but with the USB wall socket it’s plugged into. So on the surface, everything looks legit, but the secret is in the plug.
Thankfully, this kind of attack can’t happen to your own charger - it's not a hack that can be downloaded onto your hardware.
So, as long as you're keeping to your own stuff and only using chargers that you own and trust, you’re unlikely to run into any trouble.
That said, it might make you think twice about using public wireless chargers. Especially if you can’t see where they’re powered from, as these could potentially be tampered with.
In reality, this is more likely to push wireless charger manufacturers to improve security, rather than something you’ll encounter in everyday life.
On the back of the research, Jenshan Lin, a UF professor of electrical engineering, said he envisions a day when charge pads could be included in other applications like desk furniture.
“Hopefully in the future we can create something like WiFi,” he said, “except it becomes wireless power.”
