Definition of Juice Jacking
A USB charging station that has been infected can be used to compromise connected devices in security exploit known as “juice jacking.” The vulnerability exploits that a mobile device’s power supply travels over the same USB cable as the connected device’s data sync cable.
Basics Of Juice Jacking
Attacks, known as “juice jacking,” frequently occur in locations with high USB charging stations for mobile devices, such as airports, malls, and public spaces. Therefore, it might not be a good idea to plug into any USB port you find lying around. However, juice jacking attacks are less frequent than other system flaws that ATM card skimming attacks have historically exploited.
These public resources are risky to use in the vast majority of situations. However, to deliver malware to any device plugged into the charging port, some hackers may try installing malicious code already in the ports. This can be done to the port’s physical structure or even an AC adapter or charging cable, transmitting electricity and various data types.
Types of Juice Jacking
- INSTALLING MALWARE: In these attacks, the malware installed on the device may do a lot of damage, such as controlling a phone or PC, monitoring a user, preventing the user from using the device, or stealing data.
- DATA THEFT: The victim of this kind of assault is unaware that their private information has been taken. You may be in danger depending on how long a device is connected to a weak link or port. Programmers may even have the option to copy all the data on a device in given enough time and space.
- A MULTI-DEVICE ASSAULT: A device charged by contaminated links may unintentionally infect other connections with the same malware and harm the device connected to the compromised charger.
- DEBILITATING ASSAULT: Some malicious software transferred via a charging device can prevent the owner from using the device while granting the programmer full access.
How Does Juice Jacking Work?
Smartphones all share the same feature; the power supply and data stream travel along the same cable, whether you have an iPhone, BlackBerry, or Android device.
This might be problematic. Your phone establishes a trusted connection with the device it connects to by pairing with it. That implies that the gadgets can exchange data. Consequently, a cybercriminal may be able to access your device through the USB cord while it is being charged.
The connection is only visible on the end that supplies power, and on most phones, the data transfer is disabled by default (apart from older Android devices).
For instance, a message on the computer may ask you whether to trust the device when you plug your phone into it.
Juice jacking prevents the device owner from seeing what the USB port is connected to. Therefore, if someone is checking on the other end when you plug in the phone, they might be able to transfer data between your device and theirs.
How to Prevent Juice Jacking?
You can keep your smart devices safe by using these suggestions.
- Avoid using portable wall chargers or public charging stations: Get into the habit of charging your phone when it’s not used at home, at work, or in the car.
- Use a wall outlet to charge your phone if necessary: At a standard AC wall outlet, data cannot be transferred between your devices. Therefore, consider using a wall socket if you urgently need to charge in public.
- Take software security precautions: Always lock your phone to prevent pairing with other connected devices. The phone can also be turned off before charging, but the USB port might still be able to communicate with the device’s flash storage.
- Pick a different charging method for your phone: You can use external batteries, wireless charging devices, or power banks, which you can charge at home and take with you wherever you go.
Conclusion
You should take the risks of Juice Jacking seriously. Always keep your device charged from your home, carry a backup power bank, and turn on any security features the manufacturer has provided.
