How Hackers Use Airport Charging Stations To Get Into Your Phone

LOS ANGELES, CA — Those helpful charging stations at airports and hotels that keep you empowered and plugged in during the busy holiday travel season may also help plug scammers into your bank account.

Public USB power charging stations in airports, hotels and other locations are increasingly being used to infect phones or laptops with malware, according to law enforcement officials. The scam is known as juice jacking, and it targets people on the go.

“When you’re out and about you might have seen a public USB charging station at an airport or shopping center, but be warned: a free charge could end up draining your bank account,” said Los Angeles County Deputy District Attorney Luke Sisak.

According to Sisak, criminals load malware onto charging stations or cables that are left in public kiosks.

“Once the unsuspecting user plugs in, their phone or electronic device becomes infected,” said Sisak. “Within minutes of being plugged in, the malware can lock the device or send private information like passwords, address or even a full backup of the phone directly to the criminal.”

Officials are warning people traveling this holiday season to take precautions and avoid using public USB plugins.

To avoid being a victim:

• Use an AC power outlet, not a USB charging station.
• Take AC and car chargers for your devices when traveling.
• Consider buying a portable charger for emergencies