JUICE JACKING: Why Charging Your Phone At The Airport Or Coffee Shop Could Put You At Risk

In a rush to catch your flight, you find yourself low on phone battery at the airport. Fortunately, there are USB charging stations available, seemingly a stroke of luck. However, Spain's Office for Internet Security (OSI) has issued a warning about a technique called "juice jacking," that is utilised by cybercriminals to exploit public USB connections in places like buses, cafés, hotels, and trains. Through this method, they gain access to mobile devices, steal data, or install malicious software (malware) without the users' knowledge.

The OSI explains that these malware infection techniques have become increasingly sophisticated, making them resilient even if the phone is wiped clean. Once a cybercriminal gains access to the device, they can extract sensitive data such as app data, banking information, call history, digital certifcates, files, photos and location information,

To safeguard against such threats, it is advisable to maintain sufficient charge in your phone or carry a portable external battery. Connecting your phone to public charging stations via USB may pose risks, as it could lead to device malfunctions or physical damage due to unstable voltage or current.

The OSI recommends disabling data transfer and/or USB modem options from your device's settings to mitigate risks. However, if you must use public charging stations, it is essential to keep your device under constant surveillance, minimise charging time, lock the screen to reduce data transmission, and refrain from accepting connection requests from unfamiliar sources. Whenever possible, opt for a regular power socket and use a complete charger (adapter and cable).

For added protection, there are products like the 'Juice Jack Defender,' designed to act as a shield against data transfer during charging.

For those who wish to take advanced precautions, specific steps can be taken depending on the device's operating system. For Android users, disabling USB debugging and developer settings is an option, while iOS users can disable developer mode through the 'Settings' menu under 'Developer' (if enabled).

Being proactive about protecting your mobile phone from malware is crucial. If you have any suspicions of a malware infection, watch out for warning signs like unresponsive screens, changes in performance, unfamiliar applications, random reboots, excessive advertising messages, or altered settings. If any of these red flags appear, the Office for Internet Security (OSI) recommends taking immediate action to prevent further data transmission and malware activity.

First and foremost, power off your phone promptly to halt any potential spread of the malware. Next, log out of all your accounts, change your passwords immediately, and block any linked bank cards to prevent unauthorised access and potential financial risks.
By staying vigilant and responding swiftly to possible malware indications, you can safeguard your mobile device and personal data from potential cyber threats.

Souce: Sur In English