Have you read the news about public USB charging ports and cables posing security malware risks as unsafe, according to the FBI?

If you frequent public charging kiosks, such as those found in airports, hotels, and other public places, it’s crucial to be aware of the potential risks before plugging your phone into that convenient charging station.

The FBI has warned that public USB charging ports in airports, hotels, and shopping centres could pose security risks. According to the FBI’s Denver office tweet in April 2023, “Bad actors have figured out ways to use public USB ports to introduce malware and monitoring software onto devices.” 

What is Juice Jacking, and how does it work?

Essentially, ‘Juicejacking’ is a cyberattack in which criminals manipulate public USB charging stations to install harmful software or steal device data.

Is this threat real?

The idea of ‘Juicejacking’ – hackers compromising public charging stations to steal data has been around for years. While actual cases are rare, the threat is real enough that authorities continue to raise awareness. Our research and insights from cybersecurity experts suggest that the risk is likely exaggerated. However, you should not ignore it.

The 2019 IBM X-Force Threat Intelligence Index, a comprehensive report on cybersecurity threats, found that cybercriminals increasingly target travellers, with the transportation industry being the second-most attacked sector.

The FBI and other security agencies, including New Zealand’s CERT, advise travellers to avoid using public USB ports. As the FBI Denver tweet suggests, it’s best to carry your own charger and USB cord and use an electrical outlet instead.

Our tips on how to stay safe

To keep your devices safe from potential juice-jacking attacks, consider the following tips:

• Plug your device charger into a standard electric outlet. This method provides power transfer, not data.
• Carry a power bank to use to recharge your devices.
• Use a USB Data Blocker to prevent data transfer while allowing power flow.

While using USB charging stations can carry potential risks, it is prudent to take these precautions.