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The FBI is warning people to not use public phone charging stations, which have become increasingly popular in places like airports and shopping malls.

The problem is that hackers have found a way to introduce malware and other software onto devices through the public stations, the FBI said.

“Avoid using free charging stations in airports, hotels or shopping centers,” the FBI’s Denver Twitter account said. “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.”

The warning on social media mirrors guidance the bureau offers on its website. 

The FBI’s Denver office told The Hill nothing prompted the warning on its social media and that it was simply a public service announcement.

The FBI is not alone in its warning to avoid the USB charging stations.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) also warns against their use on its website, saying hackers are able to load malware onto the USB ports, giving them the ability to “maliciously” access devices. The agency calls it “juice jacking.”

“If your battery is running low, be aware that juicing up your electronic device at free USB port charging stations, such as those found near airport gates, in hotels and other travel-friendly locations, could have unfortunate consequences,” the FCC said. “You could become a victim of ‘juice jacking,’ a new cyber-theft tactic.” Ukrainian prime minister arrives in DC at make-or-break moment ‘Pissed off as hell’: US tries to contain leaks fallout with friends and enemies

The FCC warns that such malware can give criminals access to personal data and passwords, which they can use personally or sell to other actors. 

Instead of using the public USB charging stations, the FCC suggests people use a portable charger, use an AC power outlet or buy a charging-only cable, which does not allow the transfer of information while being used.

Updated at 12:06 p.m.

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Jays’ Springer leads off with 21st postseason HR

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Jays' Springer leads off with 21st postseason HR

TORONTO — The Blue JaysGeorge Springer homered on the first pitch from Seattle‘s Bryce Miller in the American League Championship Series opener Sunday, moving past the New York Yankees‘ Derek Jeter into sole possession of fifth place on the career list with his 21st postseason home run.

Springer’s 385-foot drive to right field on a fastball at the outside corner put Toronto ahead with the first postseason leadoff home run in Blue Jays history. Springer has 63 leadoff homers in the regular season, second to Rickey Henderson’s record 81.

Manny Ramirez hit a record 29 postseason homers and is trailed by Jose Altuve (27), Kyle Schwarber (23) and Bernie Williams (22).

However, also in the first inning, Blue Jays outfielder Nathan Lukes fouled a ball off his right knee, falling in pain. He stayed in the game and drew a 12-pitch walk, then flied out leading off the third and was replaced by Myles Straw for the start of the fourth.

The team said he bruised his knee and was being further evaluated.

Lukes went 4-for-12 with five RBIs in Toronto’s division series win over the Yankees, including a key two-run single in the Game 4 clincher. He also made a diving catch in Toronto’s Game 1 win.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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L.A. to start Snell in Game 1, Ohtani later in NLCS

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L.A. to start Snell in Game 1, Ohtani later in NLCS

MILWAUKEE — The Los Angeles Dodgers will start lefty Blake Snell in Game 1 of the NLCS against the Milwaukee Brewers on Monday night while righty Yoshinobu Yamamoto will get the ball in Game 2. It means Shohei Ohtani will get just one start in the series, during the middle leg back in Los Angeles.

“He’ll pitch at some point, but we just don’t know which day,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said on Sunday.

Unlike in previous spots, the Dodgers are not concerned with pitching Ohtani before a day off, choosing to maximize rest for the other starters as the team embarks on its first best-of-seven series this postseason.

“Not as important,” Roberts said. “I think just appreciating having four starters in a potential seven-game series and who can pitch potentially twice, and that’s kind of the impetus, versus Shohei having that day off after a game.”

Ohtani is hitting just .148 this month with a 4.50 ERA over six postseason innings. Roberts was asked if the pitching plan for him was related to his slump at the plate.

“No, not at all,” Roberts answered. “I think it was just kind of Shohei’s going to pitch one game this series. So, it’s one game and then you have two other guys that potentially can pitch on regular rest.”

The Brewers are likely to counter with an opener in Game 1 before handing the ball to a starter for “bulk” innings.

“Game 1 looks, ‘OK, who on our team that can give us length,'” Brewers manager Pat Murphy said. “[Jose] Quintana, [Quinn] Priester, something like that — give us bulk.”

Murphy indicated righty Freddy Peralta would start Game 2 and then they’ll figure out Game 3 after that. He wasn’t sure yet if rookie Jacob Misiorowski would start a game or pitch multiple innings out of the bullpen.

“I don’t know,” Murphy stated. “I really don’t know. That hasn’t been concrete yet. There’s a possibility he’d start.”

Rosters don’t have to be turned in until Monday morning, but the Dodgers are considering carrying just two catchers as Will Smith‘s hand injury isn’t a big concern. He caught the entirety of Games 3 and 4 in the NLDS.

“I have a couple of conversations to have shortly,” Roberts said. “But yeah, that’s a good thought.”

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Jays name Yesavage starter for Game 2 of ALCS

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Jays name Yesavage starter for Game 2 of ALCS

TORONTO — Blue Jays rookie Trey Yesavage will start Game 2 of the American League Championship Series on Monday, the team announced Sunday.

With the announcement, Yesagave addressed the media before Game 1 at Rogers Centre and began his news conference with an unprompted statement decrying the vitriol his loved ones have recently received on social media.

“I want to start off by saying something,” Yesavage said. “Living in this world where there’s so many different opinions and feelings, which results in a lot of hate, it’s sad to see that people close to me are being attacked for my performances on the field. These people have done nothing to warrant negativity for my actions, whether that’s my parents, my brothers, my girlfriend, family. It’s just really sad.”

Yesavage declined to elaborate on the situation. It’s the second time that a rookie starting pitcher has denounced social media attacks this postseason; Yankees right-hander Cam Schlittler said Red Sox fans “crossed the line” by attacking his family before his start against Boston in Game 3 of the wild-card series.

“I know I have the platform to address it, so I am,” Yesavage said. “I hope that people can realize that those individuals have nothing to do with what happens on the field or whatnot. If you have a problem, I’m a man; I can take whatever opinions anybody has about me or my life. So, I just wanted to get that out there.”

Game 2 will be Yesavage’s fifth career major league outing. His fourth was a historic performance against the Yankees in Game 2 of the AL Division Series, when he tossed 5⅓ no-hit innings with 11 strikeouts.

Mariners manager Dan Wilson said his team has not decided on a Game 2 starter, though Logan Gilbert is the likely choice. Seattle used Gilbert and fellow starter Luis Castillo in their 15-inning Game 5 win over the Tigers on Friday night. Gilbert threw 34 pitches over two innings after allowing a run in six innings in Game 3 on Tuesday.

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