Are you aware that every time you plug your phone into a public charging station, you might be exposing yourself to a sneaky cyber attack called “juice jacking”?
This warning comes from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in the US. They are advising against using USB ports for charging in public spaces such as airports, malls, and hotels. But America is not the only country in danger of juice jacking. The Philippines, like many other countries, also has free charging stations in public areas. This could potentially compromise users’ personal data and privacy.
So what is juice jacking and how does it work? It’s pretty simple: attackers insert malware into public charging stations, and when you connect your phone. The malware gets transferred to your device through the USB cable.
Once the malware is installed, it can use normal-looking notifications to trick you into granting access to your personal information. This includes your bank account details or credit card information. And just like that, your data is in the hands of cybercriminals.
But don’t despair – there are ways to protect yourself from juice jacking. According to Sean Duca, a cybersecurity expert at Palo Alto Network, it all comes down to being mindful of the apps that request access to your data. Before you click “allow,” stop and think about why the app needs that information.
And when it comes to public charging stations, consider whether you really trust that device with your precious data. By taking these simple steps, you can avoid falling victim to juice jacking and keep your personal information secure.
