Juice Jacking: What is it and how does it work?

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Public USB ports at airports, hotel lobbies, or transport stations may make charging your phone easier, but they may make hackers access to your information! This is what you need to know to keep your information safe.

This threat is called “juice gear” and allows hackers to install malware or steal data by modifying the USB hardware behind the charging station. Once plugged in, your phone may silently authorize data connections, allowing attackers to access personal information, photos, credentials, and even remote controls.

Researchers at events such as the Def Con Hacking Conference have demonstrated how easy it is to manipulate kiosks to extract data using hidden hardware elements. In 2025, scholars even revealed a new variant called “Choice Jacking”. In this case, the malicious microcontroller bypasses the permission prompt.

How common is this? There are no confirmed mass attacks, but the TSA, FBI, FCC and other agencies continue to issue consultations due to the severity of the potential threat. Security experts describe it as a risk of “low probability but high impact”.

This is how you can protect yourself

Use a personal AC charger or portable power bank.
Use a charging-only cable or USB data blocker to block the data cable.
Always reject data access prompts if asked about public devices.
Avoid using unknown or suspicious charging stations, especially in high-risk environments such as airports or public transport centers.
Keep the operating system and firmware updated; iOS 18.4 and Android 15 include stronger protections – although some devices may remain vulnerable.
Always select Charge Only if you plug the device into a USB port and view messages such as Shared Data or Trust this Computer or Charge Only.

It is best to consider using a portable hotspot with built-in battery to skip public charging stations altogether. No cables, no compromises, no risks.

Devices that support multiple connected users are also suitable for family, friends or group trips when battery or signal strength becomes a problem.

This article was written with the assistance of Chief Revenue Officer Eric Plam Simo.

O_LYPA Featured Photos via ISTOCK.

Postal Juice Point: What is it and how does it work? First appears in Spill the ATX gossip.

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