Need a Mobile Device Charge? Beware of Juice-Jacking

Do you drink beer? In some cities, craft brewing is all the rage. Its getting more popular every year, as is visiting the breweries to get the fresh beverages directly from the source. Sometimes, plugged into the outlets at the tasting tables, one may find a USB cable for popular mobile devices. A sign may accompany it welcoming users to charge up their devices while enjoying a tasty beverage.

Fortunately, most such cables truly are legitimately friendly gestures by the owners in an attempt to keep the drinkers there just a few minutes longer rather than having them dash out because they had to charge up. However, some people are not so nice.

A tactic cyber criminals use to steal information is called "juice-jacking." Its using the charging capabilities of the mobile device to steal information from it or potentially to install malicious software onto it.

Mobile devices, regardless of their manufacturer all use a USB cable to transfer data. The difference is in the connectors. Frequently spotted at airports, are the charging kiosks with a connector to fit most types of devices. They have also been seen at shopping malls and of course smaller versions may be found at other places like the one at the aforementioned brewery. Unfortunately, hackers can use those to take advantage of travelers just looking for a quick juice fix for their phones.

To avoid becoming a victim of juice-jacking, follow a few simple rules.

• Always make sure your devices are topped off when you head out.
• If you must charge it, use your own cable and plug into an electrical outlet.
• If you will be out for a while or are traveling, carry a personal charger that will extend your battery life.
• If possible, set up your device to require a PIN or password to do a USB transfer.
• The most commonly lost items at hotels are phone chargers. If you forgot yours, rather than use the dock in the room, ask the hotel if they have a charger to fit your phone.
• If you must use a charging station, power off your device before plugging in. This stops the automatic data transfer, which may be active on your device. Alternatively, or in addition to, shut off the automatic data transfer.