Juice Jacking: What it is, and how to defend yourself

Share the knowledge

Will Young

Public charging stations in places such as airports, malls, and hotels are convenient for keeping your devices charged up when you’re on the go. However, according to the FBI’s Denver field office, these free charging stations are increasingly being hijacked by bad actors who use them to infect devices with malware that can steal sensitive data. They advise users to avoid using these public USB ports and to carry their own charger and USB cord and use an electrical outlet instead.

The FBI’s website has similar guidance on “juice jacking,” as it is known, advising people to be careful when connecting to public Wi-Fi networks and avoid making purchases to avoid man-in-the-middle attacks. A phone that has been juice jacked may suddenly overheat, suffer from a battery that drains quickly, use more data than normal, install unauthorized apps, and change its settings. Android smartphones are more vulnerable to this type of attack than iPhones and iPads, partly because iPhones and iPads carry a “Trust this device?” security prompt when an external actor is plugged in and is attempting to access them.

According to a 2021 report by cybersecurity analysts from Honeywell Forge, USB attacks have caused significant damage in the past. 79% of USB cyberattacks are capable of disrupting operational technology such as the everyday functions of an industrial plant, and 51% of them can grant an attacker remote access to an infected device.

This type of attack is not new, and there have been incidents reported in the past. In 2019, the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office issued a warning about “juice jacking” after the installation of malware in public charging stations in the city. Similarly, the UK’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) warned travelers in 2019 not to use public USB charging stations due to the risk of hacking.

So, what can you do to protect your devices when charging on the go? The simplest solution is to avoid using public charging stations altogether and carry your own charger and USB cable. If you must use a public charging station, use a USB data blocker, which is a small adapter that goes between the charging cable and your device. It blocks any data transfer between the device and the charging station, preventing any malware from being installed on your device. Another solution is to use a portable charger, which you can charge up before you leave home and use to recharge your devices on the go.

The Internet Patrol is completely free, and reader-supported. Your tips via CashApp, Venmo, or Paypal are appreciated! Receipts will come from ISIPP.

CashApp us Square Cash app link

Venmo us Venmo link

Paypal us Paypal link

When using public Wi-Fi, be sure to connect to a secure network and avoid making purchases or accessing sensitive information. If you’re using a public charging station, keep an eye on your device and avoid leaving it unattended. You should also keep your devices updated with the latest security patches and anti-virus software.

In conclusion, while public charging stations may be convenient, they are also increasingly being used as a tool for cybercriminals to infect devices with malware. Users should exercise caution when using these stations and take steps to protect their devices, such as carrying their own charger and USB cable, using a USB data blocker, or using a portable charger. By taking these steps, you can help ensure that your devices and sensitive data are safe from cybercriminals.

Get New Internet Patrol Articles by Email!

The Internet Patrol is completely free, and reader-supported. Your tips via CashApp, Venmo, or Paypal are appreciated! Receipts will come from ISIPP.

CashApp us Square Cash app link

Venmo us Venmo link

Paypal us Paypal link

 


Share the knowledge

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.