We explain what juice jacking is, how it works, and how you can protect yourself from it.
Smartphones are the most common targets for hackers, as it is common to use our smartphones to perform all sorts of tasks, such as checking bank accounts or sending emails, and we save it. All our personal information such as photos, videos, documents and files.
Because of that, cybercriminals look for different ways Our mobile device is infected by malware To steal our personal information and access our bank accounts. One of the most common methods used by criminals to install malware on our terminals is the so-called “juice jacking”, a hacking method that we’re going to tell you about below, everything you need to know about it: What it is, how it works and how to avoid it.
What is juice jacking and how does it work?
Juice jacking is a term that was coined Investigative journalist Brian Krebs first in 2011 and refers to a form of cyber attack in which hackers Install malware on USB charging stations in public places For example in airports, hotels or shopping malls to access their victim’s devices.
Thus, just as your smartphone’s charging cable is used to transfer data to your PC, when you connect your mobile to one of the charging ports infected with this cable, cybercriminals install malware on your terminal that allows them. Access your phone and steal confidential information such as your bank details or your password.
In the event that your device is infected, the most common thing is that hackers Use your bank credentials to try to steal your money Or, they block your device and Contact you to request financial compensation to restore access to your smartphone.
How to avoid juice jacking
Obviously, the easiest way to protect your terminal from being infected by juice jacking is to Do not charge it at charging stations in public placesBut apart from this you should also follow these simple recommendations to keep your mobile safe from cybercriminals:
- Leave home with plenty of batteries: Considering that almost all mobiles nowadays have fast charging, we recommend that if your battery is low and you are going to an airport or a shopping center, Charge the mobile half an hour or an hour before leaving home So you don’t have to use the charging ports of those places
- Always carry an external battery with you: Today you can buy cheap high-capacity external batteries that allow you to recharge your mobile without resorting to charging stations in public places. If you don’t know which one to buy, check out our list of the best external batteries for mobile phones
- You have no choice but to charge your mobile at the airport or shopping mall, Connect the USB cable to your charger and plug it into one of the airport power outlets
- If, for whatever reason, you are forced to charge your smartphone with its USB cable in a public place, after connecting to the charging station, enter the Android options and Allow uploads only
- Finally, you can use so-called “juice-jack defenders”, small adapters that are placed between the USB cable and the mobile and are responsible for Allow uploads and block data transfers only
