It has become increasingly common to see free charging stations offered in airports, hotels, taxis and other public areas. These public charging stations seem like a great amenity especially when you’re out on the go, but these charging stations make you vulnerable to cyberattacks. Hackers compromise USB ports and charging cables with malware that infect your device while it is plugged in charging. This attack is called Juice-Jacking.
Never insert an untrusted charging cable, adaptor or other accessory directly into your mobile phone. Believe it or not, bad actors have figured out how to embed spyware technology so small that it fits inside the connector at the ends of lightning, micro, mini and type C charging cables. When these compromised cables are inserted into your device, like your mobile phone or laptop, the malicious charging cable can intercept and steal data moving to and from your device.
If your job requires that you travel to other businesses, avoid using untrusted charging cables that may be available in meeting conference rooms. This best practice is especially important for high profile business executives who visit competitors or other companies to conduct business. An unethical company could offer an executive a compromised charging cable in a conference room to commit corporate espionage and steal competitor information from that executives’ laptop during a visit. If you find yourself without a charging cable while traveling, just pay the money and buy a new cable at a gift shop or wait until you have access to a charging cable that you own and trust. Do not use untrusted cables with your devices. And if you ever find a charging cable somewhere, do not take it. That “lost” cable could have been intentionally left for you by a bad guy.
Avoid inserting your charging cable directly into a USB charging port in a public space. You will see these USB charging ports on planes and on public transportation. USB ports can be directly connected to network infrastructure that has been compromised. Instead, opt to use an AC electrical outlet with your own AC/DC charging adaptor whenever charging your phone in a public space. If you are charging a device in a rental car, use a 12 volt charging port with your mobile phone instead of a USB port.
Lastly, always purchase your charging cables and other mobile device attachments from a reputable vendor. Organized crime syndicates have been known to sell counterfeit accessories and cables compromised with malware through online retailers. It is preferable that you purchase accessories from the original equipment manufacturer of your device. You can also purchase accessories directly from a reliable seller, company or mobile store. It may be tempting to buy a super cheap cable online or from a street vendor, but you do get what you pay for. Invest your money in certified accessories sold by trusted brands only, even if they cost more.