FBI warns against ‘juice jacking’: that’s why you should never charge your mobile phone at the airport

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Before you leave, quickly charge your mobile phone or laptop. Many travelers do this at airports, where there are often specially designed charging stations. This is practical, so you don’t run out of juice while on the road.

Still, it is better to avoid it. The Tiktok channel travelpiratesus explains the reason for this in a video that has been viewed millions of times and is based on a warning from the FBI. When charging at public sockets, such as those at train stations or airports, cybercriminals can gain access to the device and steal data.

This is how the scam works

This scam is known as ‘juice jacking’. This involves a cyber attack via the power supply of a mobile device.

For example, when charging your mobile phone at the airport, you often use a USB port into which you plug the charging cable. Since USB ports can also be used to transfer data, cybercriminals can load malware onto the smartphone when they plug it in and steal data.

“Criminals have access to online accounts”

Fraudsters use ‘juice jacking’ to obtain data from third parties. Software manufacturers regularly update to combat the illegal practice.

It is important to draw attention to the illegal practice. The FBI has therefore issued a warning. The consequences are also stated: “Criminals can use this information to gain access to online accounts or sell them to other criminals.” (obf)

Source: Blick