Whether you have an iPhone or an Android device, smartphones have one thing in common: the power supply and the data stream pass through the same cable.   When your phone connects to another device, it pairs to that device and establishes a trusted relationship, meaning the devices can share information. So, during the charging process, the USB cord opens a pathway into your device that a cybercriminal may be able to exploit.

On most phones, the data transfer is disabled by default and the connection is only visible on the end that provides the power.  For instance, when you plug your phone into your computer, a message on the computer may ask whether to trust the device.  In the case of juice jacking, the device owner won’t see what the USB port connects to.

While juice jacking is not new, it’s becoming more prevalent.  Next time you’re in public and your phone battery is dwindling down don’t freak out!  We have several ways to avoid getting juice jacked:

• Avoid using a public USB charging station.  Use the wall plug-in socket (AC outlet) instead.
• Bring an AC outlet charger, car chargers, and your own USB cables with you when traveling.
• Completely power off your device before plugging it into a cellphone charging kiosk.
• Carry a portable battery charger of your own.
• Use a USB device called a data blocker that connects to your phone’s charging cable.
• Consider carrying a charging-only cable (which prevents data from being sent or receiving while charging).
• If you plug your device into a USB port and a prompt appears asking you to select “share data” or “charge only” ALWAYS select “charge only.”