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Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma's seemingly heartfelt apology on ‘X’ has triggered an unexpected wave of concern online, not for etiquette, but for cybersecurity.
On April 8, Sarma shared a heartwarming story that during his Emirates flight from Delhi to Dubai, a ‘kind young gentleman’ lent him an international plug and charging cable. The CM later realised that he forgot to return them after falling asleep. The post, written from Amsterdam, included an apology and a public appeal to return the items.
“If this message reaches him, please send me a direct message so I can arrange to return your charger and cable promptly,” Sarma wrote, thanking the stranger for his kindness. Notably, the Assam CM is currently in Amsterdam for economic development meetings.
Why Cybersecurity Alarm Raised?
While many applauded the gesture and praised Sarma's humility, others raised red flags about a more serious issue—juice jacking, a cybercrime where malware is installed or data is stolen via compromised charging cables or USB ports.
“Get your phone checked as soon as possible,” one user cautioned. “As a CM, there's always a risk of being tracked or compromised.”
Another echoed, “Hackers don’t need physical access anymore; a compromised cable can do the job. The CM’s team should scan his devices ASAP.” Similar comments like “Borrowing a stranger’s charger is like handing over your house keys” and “Sir, did you check your phone for malware?”
As the post gained traction, cybersecurity experts and citizens alike voiced concern over the possibility of a targeted cyberattack. Though there is no confirmation of any breach, the incident has sparked fresh conversations on digital hygiene and the unique risks public officials face while traveling.
