Charging your phone in a USB port at a train station or airport is like putting your wallet in the middle of a square and believing it will still be there in an hour. That's how big the risk is of using USB sockets in public places, popular targets for hackers who can use them to hack into other people's phones. But fortunately, there is a solution...
USB not only transfers power, but also data
Videos, photos, messages in chat apps, or even a bank account. An attacker can gain access to all of this by modifying a public USB port for juice jacking. How is this possible?
USB not only transfers power, but also data, and that's where the problem lies. When you plug your smartphone into a public USB port and watch your battery charge, there may be something going on in the background that you have no idea about.
Juice jacking is a type of cyberattack in which an attacker exploits a public USB charging port to install malware or steal data from a phone. Simply plugging a device into an infected port can execute malicious code without the user's knowledge.
If we were to use another apt analogy, charging via an unknown USB is like drinking from a bottle that has been lying on the street for a week.
So does this mean you can never charge your phone in public again? Not quite.
Use Wi-Fi with a VPN and monitor data traffic
Fortunately, like most cyber threats, this one can be defended against, even at the software level (i.e. directly in the phone's user interface).
The first thing you can do to stay safe on public Wi-Fi is to use a VPN . This is an app or service that encrypts your connection and hides your real IP address, making it much harder for others to track or eavesdrop. However, a VPN won't protect you from a USB port attack itself.
A VPN (Virtual Private Network) is a technology that encrypts your internet connection and hides your real IP address. With a VPN, all data from your device first travels through a VPN server, making it impossible for anyone to eavesdrop or monitor what you do online.
If you want to go the "software prevention" route, we recommend:
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Monitor data traffic on your mobile phone – for example, handy apps will show you active network connections and reveal suspicious activity.
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Use a firewall on your mobile phone – A firewall acts as a guard or wall between your device and the internet. It allows you to block unknown or unsafe connections.
How to recognize a suspicious connector
Software readiness is important, but if you neglect physical security, all your efforts may be for naught.
If you don't use any physical protection, it's best not to connect your phone to any connector that strangers have access to. And if you absolutely must connect, you need to check the port thoroughly.
A typical suspicious port might look like it has no markings and a cable sticking out of the connector. Another red flag is if it's located near an ATM or in another unusual location. If you come across a USB cable in a public place, never plug it into your phone unless you're absolutely sure it belongs to someone.
With FIXED Data Blocker you can safely charge your phone anywhere
It would be a shame to give up charging via USB ports at train stations, airports or cafes, especially when you don't have a regular outlet or other power source at hand and you urgently need to top up your battery. Just be smart about it.
The FIXED Data blocker 2in1 adapter/reducer is a solution that allows you to charge your mobile phone and other devices without any worries anytime and anywhere .
This smart accessory 100% prevents unwanted data transfers between the port and your device. It has physically deactivated data pins and only allows power transfer, which puts a stop to potential intruders. Simply plug your charging cable into the FIXED Data blocker, plug it into a public USB and you're done. The package includes an adapter for connecting to both USB-C and USB-A.
Did you know that, unlike regular blockers, the FIXED Data blocker adapter supports fast charging with up to 240 W (with Power Delivery technology support)? In addition to your mobile phone, you can also charge your tablet, laptop, and other electronics in public places with this adapter.
And how to prepare for situations when there is no socket or USB charging port at hand in a public place? Take a reliable power bank from FIXED with you . Then nothing will catch you by surprise, whether you are heading away from home for a few hours or for several days.
If you need more information about the Data blocker reduction or other accessories from FIXED, feel free to write to us in the chat here on the website .
