What is Juice Jacking? How to avoid it

It’s common to quickly connect your device to a public charging station when it’s running low on battery. However, you should know that hackers can take advantage of this opportunity to steal your personal data.

Juice jacking is a type of cyber attack that occurs when someone steals your personal information by plugging their malicious USB device into your phone or laptop while you are charging.

The malicious USB can then install malware on your device. This will lead to the theft of your passwords, credit card numbers and other sensitive data. Juice jacking is already an increasingly common threat.

According to the US Army Cyber ​​Command, “Juice jacking is a cyberattack in which a compromised Universal Serial Bus (USB) charging station transfers malware to or steals personal information from a connected device. Juice jacking, also known as port jacking, not limited to mobile phones but any device capable of charging via a USB plug.”

“Juice-jacking” is a form of cyberattack in which information is stolen by installing malware on a person’s phone or other mobile device via a public USB port. https://t.co/clsTle77wd

– snopes.com (@snopes)
July 22, 2023

What is the history of Juice Jacking?

The term “juice jacking” was first coined in 2011, when researchers at the University of California, Berkeley, created a compromised charging kiosk solely for the purpose of showing how hackers could steal it. data from unsuspecting victims.

When people plugged their phones into the kiosk, they received a security alert and discovered that their phone was paired with a malicious charging station.

The warning reads: “You should not trust your smartphone to be delivered to public kiosks. Information may be obtained or downloaded without your consent. Luckily for you, this station has gone the ethical route and your data is safe. Enjoy Free Fees!

Another example of juice jacking was presented in 2013 at the Black Hat security conference, where security experts presented a USB wall charger that contained malware. It’s called Mactans and is capable of deploying malware on iOS devices.

In a further update on this threat, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office issued advice in early November 2019 to warn travelers about the potential dangers of USB charger scams. or splash juice.

The statement from the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office mentions: “In the USB charger scam, commonly known as “juice robbery,” criminals download malicious software to charging stations or cables they plug into stations so they can infect phones and other electronic devices of unsuspecting users. Malware can lock devices or export data and passwords directly to fraudsters.”

Although juice jacking is a real security threat, there is little evidence that it is likely to become a widespread problem. Meanwhile, safety features for iOS and Android operating systems have been added to help prevent juice splashes.

What are the risks of Jacking Juice?

There are a number of risks associated with juicing:

Data Theft: The most common problem associated with data theft is your personal data being stolen. Hackers can use a malicious USB device to steal a victim’s personal information, including passwords, credit card numbers, and social security numbers. This information can then be used to commit identity theft, fraud, and other crimes.

Malware Infection: Malicious USB devices can also infect a victim’s device with malware. Once the malware is installed, it can take control of the victim’s device, steal more personal data or even spread to other devices on the network such as laptops, computers. table, etc.

Financial Loss: Juice jacking can also lead to financial loss. For example, if a hacker steals a victim’s credit card number, that card number can be used to make fraudulent purchases. This can result in the victim being held liable for fraudulent purchases.

Reputation Damage: Juice jacking also has the potential to tarnish a victim’s reputation. If hackers gain access to a person’s personal information, they can use that information to impersonate them and send spam or phishing emails. This can damage the victim’s reputation and make it difficult for them to do business online.

How to avoid juice splash?

While juice clicking is not very common, it does present a serious threat that can significantly affect user privacy and security. So here are some tips to be safe:

Never use a public charging port: Do not plug your device into a public charging port. This is one of the most common ways used by hackers to steal your data. This means that you should avoid charging ports in unfamiliar places, such as airports, coffee shops, and libraries. If it is absolutely necessary to use a public charging port, be sure to check for any signs of tampering, such as loose or damaged cords.

Check for USB devices: Be suspicious of any USB devices you see plugged into a public charging port. If you see a USB device that you don’t recognize, it’s best not to plug your device into it.

Update your phone software regularly: One of the best ways to keep your device secure is to update it regularly. Make sure you don’t miss important updates on all your devices.

Use trusted security apps: You can use security apps specifically designed to detect malicious USB devices. There are several security apps available. You can use them before plugging your device into a public charging station.

In addition to the tips above, here are some other things you can do to protect yourself from juice splatters:

  • Bring your own charging cable and adapter: This will ensure that you only plug your device into a safe and reliable source.
  • Avoid using public Wi-Fi networks: If you must use public Wi-Fi, be sure to use a VPN to encrypt your traffic and protect your data from prying eyes.
  • Be aware of the risks of phishing emails and other scams: Hackers often use these methods to trick unsuspecting victims into revealing their personal information.

In conclusion, juice jacking is a serious security threat, but it can be easily avoided by following some simple tips. By being aware of the risks and taking steps to protect yourself, you can help keep your personal information safe.

Categories: Optical Illusion
Source: pagasa.edu.vn

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