The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has issued a public warning about the cybersecurity risks of using public USB charging stations, a threat commonly known as "juice jacking." The alert, posted on the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) website, advises individuals to avoid using free charging ports in airports, hotels, and shopping centers.
According to the FBI, criminals can manipulate these public USB ports to introduce malware and monitoring software onto connected devices. This malicious software can then lock the device or export personal data and passwords directly to the perpetrator. The technique exploits the data transfer capabilities of USB cables, which carry both power and data.
To mitigate this threat, the FBI and cybersecurity experts recommend using AC power outlets with your own charger, carrying a portable power bank, or using USB data blockers—also known as "USB condoms"—which physically prevent data transfer while allowing power to flow. The warning underscores the importance of maintaining vigilance over physical connections, not just digital ones, to protect personal information.
