① Crimes Committed Using Free Chargers
When your phone battery runs out, looking for a charger is natural. Especially when traveling, most people use a charger when they see one to keep their battery topped up. Airports offer several free charging stations for the convenience of travelers.
However, there are precautions to take when using free chargers at airports or public places, as using the free chargers exposes us to potential crime. There have been cases of people suffering harm from using free chargers at the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office.
This type of crime is called ‘Juice Jacking’. It involves installing malware in public USB charging devices.
This allows the hackers to access all the data on the user’s electronic devices. It’s a type of cybercrime.
When you use a free charger, hackers can access all your information. Connecting smartphones, tablets, laptops, and other electronic devices to a USB port can infect them with malware.
Those who commit crimes through juice jacking install what appears to be free chargers at airports. They also tried installing malware in the USB ports at the airport. Luke Sisak, the district attorney of Los Angeles County, publicly disclosed the actions of the criminals who attempted juice jacking. If you fall victim to juice jacking, not only do hackers leak your data, but they can also target you for other crimes, so you must be extra careful.
Attackers may also be able to track keystrokes or display ads on the screen. Sometimes, they may add the infected device to a computer network botnet.
② Ways to Prevent Cybercrime
So, what happens when juice jacking attacks your device? Detecting juice jacking is brutally challenging. Authorities or experts might take several months to years to discover it. The malware stealthily sends data to a central location where hackers sell it.
If your phone is unusually slow or hotter than usual, it is likely associated with malware. Most people don’t suspect anything before using a charger at the airport. They don’t think they can be harmed by using a charger.
The best way to prevent juice jacking is to avoid using USB ports in public places. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) stated on Twitter that “criminals are thinking of ways to install malware or surveillance software on devices using public USB ports.”
They warned against using USB charging ports in public places like airports, hotels, and shopping malls.
They recommended charging from power outlets using your own charger and USB cable. Caleb Barlow, a security expert and vice president of IBM Security, said, “Using a USB port in a public place is like brushing your teeth with a toothbrush found on the street.”
He conveyed that USB ports in public places are unreliable and dangerous. But it’s impossible not to charge in public places. Using an AC power outlet or charging a power bank is better than charging your phone directly.
Juice jacking attacks occur when you are connected to a USB charging port. If you use a socket dedicated to electricity, it doesn’t matter. A USB data blocker is a device that looks like a USB memory stick. It has a plug on one side and a hole on the other. Data exchange is blocked if you plug the plug side into the charging port and the hole side into the charging cable. Remember to turn off the power before charging if you have no choice but to charge your phone directly.
③ Be Careful When Using Public Networks
The FBI has also warned about using public networks, not just USB ports. It’s better not to conduct sensitive financial transactions on public networks. This is because hackers can attempt to hack using public WiFi networks.
Public WiFi is vulnerable to hacking, so data will likely be stolen. Malware can also be spread through WiFi routers. If you use public WiFi, it’s best not to enter personal information.
By. Han Mia (miumia___12@mememedia.co.kr)
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