Are you traveling this summer? Be mindful to protect your phone and other devices. Cyber criminals are using public chargers to install malware on phones and steal data. A single compromised charging port could put your data at risk while you travel.
What is Juice Jacking?
Quite simply, it’s a cyber attack in which a compromised USB charging station transfers malware to, or steals personal information from, a connected device.48 This threat doesn’t just target phones — any device that charges via USB can be at risk.
Signs you may be a victim:
- Device is running slow
- Battery is draining faster than normal
- Unknown apps suddenly installed
- “Trust this computer” prompt appears on phone or tablet
- Error messages
- Data breaches
How to protect yourself:
- Avoid public charging stations
- Airports, hotels, cafes
- Bring your own charger and cable
- Use your own portable battery packs
- Use a USB data blocker
- Have two-factor authentication enabled
If you have been a victim of juice jacking, please report it to your local or national authorities. Don’t know who that might be? Here’s a great wiki where you can find out!
Stay safe!
Stay #CyberFlexed!
