Staying connected is more important than ever in today's fast-paced society. Our smartphones and other devices keep us connected with friends, family, and work, but their battery life limits their utility. That's why public charging stations, popular in airports, hotels, cafes, and other public places, maybe a lifesaver when our devices run out of power.

But did you realize that something as basic as charging your phone in public might expose your sensitive information? Scammers increasingly use public charging stations to steal critical user information from smartphones in a scam called "Juice Jacking."

What exactly is Juice Jacking?

Juice jacking is a cyberattack in which scammers install phony charging stations in public locations. These charging stations are designed to secretly take sensitive data from devices plugged into them. When a person puts their device into a fake charging port, scammers access it and gather personal information such as passwords, credit card information, and other sensitive information. Scammers may even install malware straight into the victim's gadget to control it remotely in some circumstances.

How to Keep Safe

• While it can be difficult to tell if charging stations are real or fake, here are some precautions to safeguard your devices from this cyber attack.
• It is best to bring your charger and avoid unauthorized data transfer to guarantee the safety of your device.
• Always have a portable power bank if you need to charge something while travelling.
• Use a USB data blocker for enhanced security. It's a little adaptor that keeps data from being exchanged between your device and the charging station.

By following these easy guidelines, you may avoid becoming a victim of Juice Jacking and keep your personal information protected while on the go. Don't let con artists take advantage of you. Use caution when utilizing public charging outlets to stay watchful and secure your personal information.