Beware 'Juice Jacking': FBI, FCC Warn of Public Charging Dangers
Mobile device users should be cautious when charging their gadgets in public. Recent changes by tech giants like Apple and Google, along with warnings from the FBI and FCC, highlight the growing threat of 'juice jacking'. This practice, coined in 2011, allows data theft through public charging stations.
The FBI's Denver office and the FCC have both issued warnings about this risk. The FBI's alert, however, was a public service announcement based on an outdated advisory, according to an investigation by Snopes. The FCC's advice remains relevant, urging users to avoid public charging stations due to the risk of malware and monitoring software.
To mitigate this threat, users are advised to carry their own charging gear or power off their devices before using public stations. However, the availability of products like the OMG cable has made juice jacking attacks more accessible. Brian Markus, co-founder of Aries Security, believes the risk is higher now due to cheaper and more accessible technology.
Mobile device makers have taken steps to prevent automatic data syncing when connected to computers. However, the risk of juice jacking persists, especially with the increased accessibility of attack tools. Users should remain vigilant and follow safety measures when charging their devices in public.
Read also:
- Pablo Escobar's Former Estate 'Hacienda Nápoles' to Be Transformed by Women's Organization
- Emergency services of the future revealed by Renault with the introduction of the Vision 4Rescue vehicle.
- Compromised Wi-Fi Router Causes Airport Delays, Highlights Aviation Cybersecurity Gaps
- Dortmund Customs Find Wage, Employment, and Benefit Fraud in Hotel and Gastronomy Sector
