Juice jacking
Juice jacking is a type of cyber-attack that utilizes the fact that most charging ports double as data connections. They are usually done via public USB ports. The attack can either be about installing malware on your device or copying sensitive data from it.
If your device is regularly updated the chances of this being a threat to you are slim, as your device should always issue a warning before initiating a transfer. That being said, cyber security is a constant battle between hackers and manufacturers. There is always the possibility of a new malware that your device has not yet been patched for.
To stay safe, charge your device by using your original wall charger and cable. Another option is buying a charging wire that has disabled data wires and only transfers electricity.
Key takeaways:
- Public USB charge points could have been compromised by hackers
- Hackers could infect your device with malware or steal your data
- Always use your own cable and charger