DON’T GET JUICE JACKED: 5 Tips for Consumers

The U.S. Government recently warned of the dangers of using “free” public cell phone charging stations, located in public areas such as hotels, airports, train stations, and shopping malls. The FBI office in Denver, Colorado sent out a communication indicating that “Bad actors have figured out ways to use public USP ports to introduce malware and monitoring software onto such devices.”
The U.S. Government recently warned of the dangers of using “free” public cell phone charging stations, located in public areas such as hotels, airports, train stations, and shopping malls. The FBI office in Denver, Colorado sent out a communication indicating that “Bad actors have figured out ways to use public USP ports to introduce malware and monitoring software onto such devices.”

On April 11th, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) issued a separate warning that “you could become a victim of ‘juice jacking,’. . . if your cell phone battery is running low and you use a free USB port charging station.”

“Juice jacking” is a term coined in 2011 and refers to hacking into phones to steal data or to infect them with malware. It is basically a portable charger placed into the public square that has been designed to look “real,” but in addition to charging your phone or electronic device, it will install malware and steal your data.

The FCC issued 5 tips to avoid getting “juice jacked.”

• Avoid using a public USB charging station. Use an AC power outlet instead.
• Bring AC, car chargers, and your own USB cables with you when traveling.
• Carry a portable charger or external battery.
• Consider carrying a charging-only cable, which prevents data from sending or receiving while charging, from a trusted supplier.
• If you plug your device into a USB port and a prompt appears asking you to select “share data” or “charge only,” always select “charge only.”

At Drake, Hileman & Davis, our personal injury attorneys have been concerned for the safety of those in our community for more than 30 years. We have been helping the injured find answers, whenever accidents happen. We have a proven track record of results and satisfied clients. We’re ready to answer your questions and provide you with the legal help you need. Contact us online or call us at 1-888-479-9197 to schedule your free consultation in the convenience of your home or at one of our five offices located throughout the region.