Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — Charging your phone on the go has become a daily necessity, but the FBI is now cautioning against using free public charging stations. According to the agency, cybercriminals or knows as ‘Juice Jacking’ are targeting these convenient ports in airports, hotels, and shopping centers, turning them into a means to install malware on unsuspecting users’ devices.
Understanding Juice Jacking
Juice jacking is a method hackers use to gain access to your smartphone or tablet. Through compromised USB ports, they inject malicious software or monitoring programs onto devices connected to public charging stations. Once infected, these devices can become vulnerable to data theft, including sensitive information such as usernames and passwords.
“Hacker-modified public USB ports can now introduce malware and spyware onto devices,” the FBI Denver office cautioned on social media. “Bring your own charger and cable, and use standard electrical outlets instead,” the agency advised, as reported by CNBC International.
Warnings from the FCC
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has also cautioned against juice jacking since 2021. At that time, the FCC highlighted the risks of using public USB chargers, pointing out that consumer devices could fall prey to unauthorized data access and malware injections. The commission urged consumers to be cautious about using public charging stations, reinforcing the importance of private chargers and cables.
How to Stay Safe from Juice Jacking To avoid juice jacking, here are some best practices:
- Use Your Own Charger: Always carry your own charging equipment when traveling.
- Plug Directly into Power Outlets: If you need to charge in public spaces, use a wall outlet rather than a USB port.
- Consider a Portable Charger: Power banks are handy alternatives for a safe and portable power source.
- Watch for Pop-Up Permissions: If a device asks for data access when charging, decline the request.
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With smartphones increasingly central to daily life, vigilance is crucial to avoid data theft and unauthorized access to sensitive information. Following these simple precautions can help keep your personal data safe in public spaces.
(Becky)
