On long trips, an empty smartphone battery is not uncommon-and the USB slots at airports look like the perfect solution. But that is exactly what criminals take advantage of: You can use manipulated loading points to compensate data unnoticed or install malware.
USB slots at the airport: practical, but dangerous
If you travel a lot, you know the problem: the smartphone battery is coming to an end, a socket is not in sight-a public USB charging connection is just right. Especially at airports, these practical ports are widespread, often directly on waiting areas or seating groups. However, what many do not know: These USB slots can deliver more than just electricity – they also transmit data. This is exactly what makes them a potential gateway for hackers. According to the T3N technology portal, criminals use this weak point, for example to install malware or to pick up personal data. The Federal Office for Information Technology (BSI) also warns against using public USB charging connections uncritically. In the worst case, the simple connection can lead to the data leak – without users notice anything.
Juice Jacking: When the charging cable becomes a trap
A serious security risk can hide behind the harmless loading process via a USB port. The method, known as “Juice Jacking”, describes an attack technology in which manipulated USB connections are used to play malware on the smartphone unnoticed or to use sensitive data such as contacts, photos and passwords. According to T3N, a brief connection with the infected connection is sufficient. Users usually don’t notice anything – the charging process seems to run as normal. Particularly perfidious: In some cases, it is sufficient that the device is only connected without actively a data transmission.
Protection options on the go
Manipulated USB connections can be avoided with simple means. The most reliable are classic power supplies for sockets or mobile power banks. So-called USB data blockers offer an additional protective measure: these small adapters interrupt the data lines and only allow charging. According to the fact check portal Mimikama, they are a sensible opportunity to protect themselves from so-called Juice jacking attacks.
The Federal Office for Information Technology (BSI) also recommends that only trustworthy charging sources on the go. In its clues, the BSI advises against connecting mobile devices to foreign USB ports, since both electricity and data can be transmitted via the connection. In addition, the “Laden only” mode should be selected in the settings and automatic data connections should be deactivated.
Editor finance.net