Juice Jacking: How to Protect Your Devices from Public Charging Stations

May 11, 2023 Ashley Adkins

You're running late for work, and your phone is about to die. You see a public charging station in the airport, and you're relieved to finally be able to plug in. But before you do, there's something you need to know: public charging stations can be a security risk.

That's because they can be used for "juice jacking," a type of cyberattack that allows hackers to steal your data or install malware on your device while it's charging.

Here's how juice jacking works:

The hacker compromises a public charging station by installing malicious software on it.
When you plug your device into the charging station, the malware is installed on your device without your knowledge.
The hacker can then use the malware to steal your data, such as your passwords, credit card information, or contact information.

Juice jacking is a real threat, and it's important to take steps to protect yourself from it. Here are a few tips:

Always carry your own charger and cable.
This is the best way to protect yourself from juice jacking.
Purchase an external battery to keep in your bag for emergency charging.
They are cheap and convenient and usually carry a few charges in them, perfect for when you are running low on juice.
If you must use a public charging station, be sure to inspect it carefully for any signs of tampering.
If you see anything suspicious, don't use the station.
Use a USB data blocker.
A USB data blocker is a small device that plugs into the USB port on your device. It prevents data from being transferred between your device and the charging station, which helps to protect you from juice jacking.
Keep your device's operating system and security software up to date.
Software updates often include security patches that can help to protect your device from known vulnerabilities.

By following these tips, you can help to protect yourself from juice jacking and other cyberattacks.

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