Avoiding the Potential of Juice Jacking while Traveling

Recently, the national media has aired reports on Juice Jacking. Juice jacking is a type of cyberattack where criminals use public charging stations, such as those found in airports, shopping malls or other public spaces, to steal data from mobile devices or install malware onto them. The attackers can do this by installing a modified charging cable or using a USB port that has been modified to install malware or extract data from the device.

To date, STL has not received any reports or seen any evidence of this type of cyber activity. However, if you feel uncomfortable using a public charging station or find one that has been compromised, here are a few things you can do to stay safe:

1. Use your own charger and power adapter: Rather than using a public charging station, use your own charging cable and power adapter. This is the safest way to avoid juice jacking.

2. Look for signs of tampering: If you must use a public charging station, inspect the USB port for signs of tampering or damage. If it looks like the port is loose or has been modified, do not use it.

3. Use a data blocker: Consider using a USB data blocker. This is a small device that sits between your charging cable and the USB port. It prevents data transfer. So, even if the charging station is compromised, your device will be safe. USB data blockers can be found on Amazon.com or Ebay.com and shopping retailers such as Walmart.

4. Charge from a power outlet: If and when possible, charge your device from a power outlet instead of a USB port. This eliminates the possibility of data theft through any USB port.

Source: ChatGPT

These simple precautions can help minimize the risk of Juice Jacking and protect your data.