Have you ever used a public USB charging port while traveling? If you have, you might want to think twice before doing so in the future. The latest cyber-theft tactic, known as “juice jacking,” has become increasingly common, especially in public places like airports, hotels, and coffee shops. Spoiler alert: It has nothing to do with actual juice (or any beverage), but you do need to know about it.
What is Juice Jacking?
Juice jacking is a type of cyber-attack that involves the installation of malware on public USB charging ports, which allows hackers to steal personal data from the devices of unsuspecting users who plug in to charge their phones or other electronic devices. Once the device is plugged in (usually for charging, or ‘juicing’), the malware infects it, giving hackers access to personal information like passwords, credit card numbers, and other sensitive data.
What does Juice Jacking mean for travelers?
When you’re traveling, you’re often away from your usual sources of power, and public USB charging ports can be a convenient solution. However, using these ports puts your personal data at risk, as you can never be sure if the port has been compromised with malware or not. With the rise of juice jacking attacks, it’s more important than ever to take steps to protect your personal data while on the go.
How can you protect your data from juice jacking while traveling?
Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to protect yourself from juice jacking while traveling:
1. Use a wall charger instead of a public USB charging port whenever possible.
2. If you must use a public USB charging port, use a USB data blocker to prevent data exchange between your device and the port. Wondering where you can find a data blocker? Amazon has a ton of options, just make sure the one you get has the port type that matches your device. NerdTechy also just did a review of popular USB data blockers that you can check out here.
3. Consider investing in a portable power bank, which can be a convenient and safe way to charge your devices while on the go. AWAY also has a great on-the-go solution for airport charging with a USB charge built into their suitcases. We love our aluminum version for easy wheeling, waterproof seal, and it’s a little more low-key than Rimowa – which has become a target for baggage theft. While a new suitcase is a pricier solution, it’s still a great investment if you need a new suitcase and you’ll never need to worry about forgetting an accessory at home. Get $20 off from Away here.
4. Make sure your device’s software and security settings are up-to-date, as this can help protect against malware attacks.
If you have any concerns or questions about juice jacking while traveling or other travel safety concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We’re always here to help.
