Everywhere We Go We Can Have Juice; But Is It Worth the Risk of Being Jacked?

Everywhere we go now, we can usually find some sort of charging station for our mobile devices. Under the bars at our favorite pubs, at tables in the airport waiting areas, and even for use in Uber or Lyft! While most of these cables are harmless and are a courtesy by the owners to make sure we don’t run out of juice, it doesn’t mean we should just plug right in. A tactic cyber criminals use to steal information, called “juice-jacking” involves using the data transfer capabilities through the charging cables of mobile devices to steal information from them or to install malicious software onto them.

Let's just get straight to how we avoid this:

• Always make sure your device batteries are topped off when you head out for a while.

• If you must charge them while out and about, use your own cable and plug into an electrical outlet. Alternatively, and perhaps a better option is to use a personal charger that will extend your battery life. These are inexpensive now and are small enough to fit into your pocket. Many are powerful enough to charge your device completely at least one time.

• If possible, set up your device to require a passcode before it will begin a USB transfer or just disable that feature altogether.

• If you forgot your charger when traveling check with the hotel lost and found to see if they have one that was left in a room. Former customers leave these in rooms frequently and the hotel often has a stash. While still a risk, it’s safer than using the stations in the rooms.

• If you must use a charging station, power off your device before plugging in. This prevents the automatic data transfer from occurring, if it is active on your device. 

Most mobile devices, regardless of their manufacturer utilize USB cables to transfer data as well as to drink in the juice. Charging kiosks, tables, or stations are often available at airports and have various connectors and cables available to fit most devices. Unfortunately, hackers can use those to take advantage of travelers or those out and about who are looking for a quick juice fix for their phones.

It’s nerve-wracking to be without power on our mobile devices these days considering everything we do with them.  However, it may not be worth the risk of plugging into a public kiosk either.