Uncover the mysterious ‘Juice Jacking’ scam! Watch out for crafty cons targeting your devices’ data. Learn how to protect yourself and stay one step ahead of cyber threats!
At public places like railway stations, airports, hotels, or cafes, many people charge their mobile phones using public charging stations. You might have done this during your travels or when your phone’s battery was running low. While using these charging points, it’s essential to be cautious as potential risks may lead to unfortunate consequences.
What’s Happening?
Recently, there has been a scam known as ‘Juice Jacking’ that has been victimising people. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has recently highlighted this fraud. In this scam, cybercriminals can steal sensitive information from your mobile phone, potentially leading to financial losses. It is crucial to stay aware and be cautious to protect yourself from falling prey to such fraudulent activities.
What is a ‘Juice Jacking Scam’?
Juice jacking, a cyber attack where charging ports double as data connections, was first reported in 2011, although it might have existed earlier. Since then, these types of cyber crimes have been on the rise. The term ‘Juice Jacking’ was coined by researcher Brian Krebs, who shed light on this attack method.
To carry out this scam, cybercriminals install malware on public charging stations, such as USB ports or charging kiosks, to attract unsuspecting users. It is important to remember that the charging port on your mobile device can also be used for data transfer.
Once a phone is connected to a compromised charging port, cybercriminals can use malware or software to gain access to the device and steal sensitive data, including emails, SMS, passwords, credit card numbers, and banking credentials. This unauthorised access allows scammers to potentially infiltrate your financial accounts and cause considerable harm.
How to Prevent Juice Jacking?
To protect yourself from potential risks, here are some essential precautions to follow:
- Refrain from charging your phone at public or free charging stations in crowded areas while away from home. If your device quickly runs out of battery, consider carrying your power bank.
- Be mindful while using public Wi-Fi networks since they might lack security measures. It is important to exercise caution to safeguard your data and online privacy. Avoid accessing sensitive information or conducting financial transactions over such networks.
- Regularly update your device’s operating system and ensure up-to-date antivirus software is installed. You can also add a malware detection app for added protection.
- Enable your device’s security settings, such as passcode, fingerprint, or facial recognition, to add an extra layer of security and safeguard your personal information.
That’s it for today. We hope you’ve found this article informative. Remember to spread the word among your friends. Until we meet again, stay curious!
*The article is for information purposes only. This is not an investment advice.
*Disclaimer: https://tejimandi.com/disclaimer
