Juice Jacking: Why Using Public USB Charging Stations Can Lead to Identity Theft

We've all been there: You're away from home when you notice your phone's battery is dangerously low. For most people, the quick solution is to find a public charging station and restore their battery power. However, this may not be the safest option! 

While these public charging points are a convenient way to plug in and recharge a device in a pinch, they can also expose you to a cyber attack known as “juice jacking,” which involves hackers using public Universal Serial Bus (USB) charging ports to steal data from a device or secretly install malware.

While juice jacking might sound like something out of a movie, it is a serious threat that has grown in recent years. In this article, we’ll explore juice jacking in greater detail, explain what a juice jacking attack looks like, and offer tips on preventing juice jacking to keep you, your data, and your device safe from bad actors.

What Is Juice Jacking?

The phrase “juice jacking” is a clever one that merges the notion of “juicing up” your battery with the nefarious act of “hijacking” used by cyber criminals. 

Public charging stations, which are commonly found in coffee shops, airports, and hotels, are usually equipped with USB ports and offer a free and convenient way to charge phones and other devices. Unfortunately, these charging stations are not always secure. 

USB connections facilitate the two-way transfer of power and data, creating a gateway for attackers to access plugged-in devices. While you’re charging your phone, hackers could be stealing sensitive data or installing malicious software right under your nose.

When it comes to juice jacking attacks, your cell phone is not the only device at risk. Juice jacking, sometimes called port jacking, can compromise any device that uses a USB connection for charging.

How Juice Jacking Works

The process behind a juice jacking attack is deceptively simple, which is why it is so dangerous. Whenever you connect a smartphone or other device to a compromised USB port, you create a direct data link, opening the door to hackers and allowing them to access your device. Once the attacker is connected, they can copy your personal data, including usernames and passwords, and install malware.

A juice jacking attack doesn’t require sophisticated technology. All that is needed is a modified USB cable or port. These modified charging ports often look legitimate, making it difficult for the average user to recognize the threat. 

There are several ways that a juice jacking attack might unfold:

• Data Theft: Hackers often lift data from devices to gather personal information, including photos, contact lists, emails, and browsing history.
• Malware Installation: Attackers sometimes install malicious software (e.g., keyloggers, ransomware, spyware) on your device during a juice jacking attack. This can result in the ongoing monitoring or control of your device.
• Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) Attacks: Juice jacking can be used to pull off a MitM cyberattack, in which the hacker intercepts and potentially manipulates communication between two parties, acting as an intermediary to steal or alter data.

Because of these risks, vigilance and caution should be prioritized when utilizing a public charging station. While they might be convenient, they put your digital security at risk. 

Data Theft via USB Ports

Data theft via USB port happens when attackers exploit a public USB charging station to steal personal information from connected devices. This popular juice jacking attack often results in attackers gaining unauthorized access to sensitive data, including passwords, financial information, and more. This makes users more susceptible to identity theft. 

Malware Installation on Devices

Malware installation involves hackers launching a juice jacking attack to install malicious software onto devices connected to a compromised USB charging port. When this malware is installed on your device, it can compromise its security, thus allowing unauthorized access for hackers to track your online activities or take control of your device. The repercussions of a juice jacking malware installation are usually quite severe, leading to long-term security risks.

Real-World Cases of Juice Jacking

Some people claim that juice jacking is just theoretical or an urban myth. However, there have been documented incidents of juice jacking, making it a tangible threat. For example, in 2019, the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office issued an official public advisory warning travelers at airports, hotels, and public venues about the dangers of juice jacking after authorities discovered that cybercriminals were secretly modifying USB charging stations to steal sensitive personal data from users. 

In 2021, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) alerted consumers following complaints about compromised charging stations in transportation centers. After using a public USB charging station, travelers reported unauthorized access to personal data, including contacts, photos, and banking details.

Even high-profile cybersecurity conferences have given significant attention to the simplicity, effectiveness, and reality of juice jacking. Ethical hackers at DefCon regularly showcase modified cables and charging kiosks to demonstrate how quickly and easily attackers can deploy juice jacking methods in everyday environments.

With state and federal law enforcement and cybersecurity experts highlighting real-world examples of juice jacking attacks, users should recognize juice jacking as a true cybersecurity threat and practice vigilance when charging devices.

Why Public Charging Stations Are a Security Risk

Public charging stations are a security risk because they are popular among cybercriminals who exploit them to access your personal information without your permission or knowledge. Compromised charging stations and cables leave users vulnerable to data and identity theft. While many newer charging station vendors are taking steps to improve security against juice jacking, outdated, insecure, or poorly maintained equipment still poses a significant threat to users. 

In addition to identity theft risks, cybercriminals can use compromised USB ports to install software on your device, allowing hackers to remotely control it, steal sensitive data, or deploy ransomware to encrypt your files until payment is made.

When you plug your device into a public charging station, you may unknowingly grant hackers access to your personal data for nefarious reasons. 

How To Protect Yourself from Juice Jacking

Even though reported cases of juice jacking remain relatively low compared to other types of cyber attacks, it remains a significant threat to anyone using a public charging station. But, knowing, as they say, is only half the battle. The next step is determining how to prevent juice jacking from happening to you. 

Here are some tips on keeping your device secure and minimizing the risk of a juice jacking attack:

Use a Power-Only USB Cable

One way to avoid juice jacking is to carry a “charge-only " cable purchased from a reputable supplier. A charge-only USB cable prevents data from being sent or received while the device is charging. Some public USB charging vendors offer charge-only wires, but carrying your own is always advisable to ensure maximum safety.  

Carry a Portable Charger or Power Bank

If you carry a portable charger or power bank to power up your device in an emergency, rather than turning to a public USB charging station, you can eliminate the threat of juice jacking. 

Use a Wall Adapter Instead of USB Ports 

Another easy solution to avoid becoming a victim of a juice jacking attack is to charge your device by plugging directly into a power outlet instead of using a shared USB port. In addition to offering USB ports, some public charging stations provide access to power outlets. This charging method is safer and preferred since no data or information can be transferred through a power outlet. 

Enable USB Data Blockers

When you enable a USB data blocker, sometimes called a “USB condom,” you can effectively prevent hackers from waging a juice jacking attack on your device. The USB data blocker is a small tool that fits between the USB cable and the public charging power, allowing power to flow but blocking any attempts at data transfer.  

Keep Your Device Locked While Charging

Juice jacking isn’t the only way that hackers and other bad actors gain access to personal information. Even if you take the above precautions to prevent juice jacking while charging your phone in public, you should always keep your phone locked while charging. This can help to further prevent unauthorized access.