Juice Jacking Scam: How Public Phone Charging Stations Can Steal Your Data

As smartphones have become essential to daily life, keeping them charged is a priority. While public phone charging stations at malls, cafes and airports provide a convenient option, there may be unintended consequences. The issue known as juice jacking occurs when cybercriminals hack these ports with malware to steal data.

What Is Juice Jacking Scam

Juice jacking is a cyber scam where hackers exploit public USB charging stations to steal data or instal malware in the connected devices.

While USB ports are designed for both data transfer and charging, an infected connector can provide hackers access to one’s phone, and subsequently personal data, as well as allow them to instal spyware in the device. They are then at risk of having their money stolen or their identity compromised, as malware can steal sensitive information, such as passwords, banking details, and personal records.

People who often charge their phones in public places, such as airports, shopping malls, hotels, and cafes, are typically at higher risk of juice jacking scams.

How Juice Jacking Works

Juice jacking cannot happen remotely. It happens only when the phones or tablets are physically connected to USB ports for charging and data transfer.

Usually, it operates as follows:

Bugging Charging Stations: Hackers either instal fake charging stations that are similar to real public charging stations or hack genuine charging stations to instal malware into the charging ports. They typically target public areas, such as airports, shopping centres, and cafes, where unsuspecting users use these charging stations them to charge their devices.

Data Theft: The moment a user plugs the device into the hacked charging station, the attacker can view and steal sensitive data, such as contacts, messages, login credentials, or financial data.

Malware Installation: In certain instances, the malicious software is installed on the device while it's being charged. Such malware enables hackers to remotely observe the device, steal information, or take over the device for future attacks.

Tampered USB Cables: Cybercriminals sometimes replace ordinary charging cables with those that appear to be ordinary, but are, in fact, tampered. These cables can send data and malware. Once inserted, they will steal your information secretly or instal malicious software into your device without your knowledge.

How To Stay Safe

Here’s how you can protect yourself from juice jacking.

Avoid Public Charging Ports: Avoid charging your phones at public charging stations.

Use An Electrical Wall Outlet: If you have to charge your device at a public place, use an electric wall socket, as that will only supply electricity to your smartphone for charging and there is no risk of hacking, as it does not involve charging through a USB port.

Switch Off Your Phone: If you have to use a public charging point, switch your phone off to reduce the chances of remote access to your phone or data theft.

Carry A Power Bank: Carry a fully charged power bank if you need to frequently charge your phone outside your home.

Enable Strong Security Features: Use two-factor authentication, strong passwords, and biometric locks to further safeguard your device.

What To Do If You’ve Been A Victim of Juice Jacking

If you think you are a victim of juice jacking, remove your device from the charging point immediately. Look out for any unknown behavior, such as decreased performance or unexpected battery loss. Perform a security scan and update passwords, particularly sensitive ones. In case the problem persists, consider a device reset. You should also report the incident to the local authorities or cybercrime for further help.