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p style=”text-align: justify;”>The FBI has issued a cautionary alert for travelers, urging them to avoid using public USB charging stations found in airports, hotels, and other public spaces. A rising cyber threat, known as “juice jacking,” enables cybercriminals to steal sensitive data and install malware through these ports. While convenient for charging devices on the go, these stations are increasingly being exploited to compromise personal and financial security.
The Mechanics Behind Juice Jacking
Juice jacking takes advantage of a fundamental vulnerability in USB technology, which supports both power delivery and data transfer. When an unsuspecting user plugs their device into a compromised USB port, malware can be silently installed, or data can be extracted without their knowledge. The malicious software may remain dormant, activating later to steal passwords, lock files for ransom, or even mine cryptocurrency, which can drain the device’s battery and degrade its performance.
Adding to the complexity of this threat, even charging cables can be tampered with to include hidden components that extract data as soon as they are connected. This makes it possible for travelers to fall victim to juice jacking even if they avoid public charging stations but use unfamiliar or unverified cables.
The threat of juice jacking extends far beyond U.S. borders. Airports, hotels, and shopping malls worldwide have reported similar incidents, as the universal nature of USB charging technology makes it a convenient vector for cyberattacks. The rise in reported cases has prompted securit
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