We've all been there: stranded in a coffee shop with a dropping phone battery and no connector, only to find a free USB charging station nearby. Relieved, you plug in your device and go about your business, unaware that a potential threat lurks behind that seemingly benign USB port.
That concern is "juice jacking," a cybersecurity vulnerability that has received enough attention in recent years to warrant an advisory from the FBI. So, what exactly is juice jacking and how risky is it? Here's all you need to know, along with some recommendations for keeping your mobile devices safe while charging on the road.
What is juice-jacking?
Juice-jacking is when hackers siphon your phone's data while it is charging. It achieves this using software placed in a kiosk that allows you to quickly charge your phone, or through a cable connected to a charging station. It can do this by plugging the USB charger directly into the socket. USBs, unlike two-pronged plugs, may transmit data as well as electricity.
The methodology is similar to how a "skimmer" steals your bank or credit card information; however, juice-jacking has the potential to collect all of the data on your cell phone, including passwords, account information, contacts, emails, and so on. While this form of hacking is not yet widespread, it has the potential to become so. However, there are techniques to defend yourself from this type of hack.
Prevention Tips
- Do not plug your phone directly into a USB charging port. Keep your data secure by using a 2-prong electrical charger.
- Don't use the provided cord or someone else's 2-prong attachment since it might contain software designed to steal your information.
- Use a "sync stop" device to prevent attackers from accessing your phone. When charging your phone, leave it locked or switched off.
- Most phones cannot access your information while locked or switched off. Don't rely on others; bring your own personal power bank to charge your mobile device.
When your phone's battery goes low in the airport, hotel, or coffee shop, be sure you're prepared to give it the power it requires without leaving you powerless.
