Juice jacking

Juice jacking is the risk that a public USB charging port or a borrowed cable steals data or installs malware while your phone charges.

Juice jacking: Juice jacking is an attack through a USB charging point or cable. A tampered port or cable, such as one in a station, cafe, airport or shared car, may try to copy data or install malware when you plug in. Modern phones ask before sharing data, so the risk is small but real.

Most public ports only charge, and phones ask Allow access to data? when something tries to connect. Problems start when people tap Allow without reading, or use a strange cable that can act like a keyboard. Cheap unbranded cables sold at stalls are another route for this kind of abuse. Wireless chargers and your own wall adapter avoid the problem completely.

Carry your own charger and cable, or a power bank, so you need not trust a stranger's port. If you must use a public port, use a data-blocking adapter or a plain wall socket and choose Charge only on the prompt. Keep your phone updated and locked while it charges. The risk is low if you stay alert, but a few seconds of care cost nothing.

Tips

• Carry your own charger, cable and a power bank for travel.
• Choose Charge only if your phone asks about data access, and never tap Allow for a public port.
• Avoid cheap unbranded cables and chargers from roadside stalls.

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