Running out of smartphone battery while away from home is a situation most people can relate to, and the introduction of public charging stations were a great solution to the problem. However, ‘juice jacking’ has recently been suggested as an issue and has led to some wondering whether it is safe to use public charging stations? Here an explanation on what juice jacking is and whether you should be worried about it.
While cameras and specs are important factors when choosing a new smartphone, battery features are becoming increasingly important for consumers. Whether it is a larger capacity battery to begin with, faster charging, or smart technologies designed to make battery consumption more efficient, having enough charge to power through an entire day is a concern for any phone owner. Despite the many improvements in this department, there are still going to be times when a phone runs out of juice, and while public charging stations can be a convenient solution, there’s now the suggestion that they can potentially do more harm than good.
Back in November, the LA County District Attorney’s Office issued an official advisory on the topic of “juice jacking.” The warning explained that some criminals were using public charging stations as a way to infiltrate a smartphone. In some cases, this could result in stealing personal information, while in others instances malware might be downloaded directly to the device. For those worried about security and privacy, either outcome could be enough of a reason to avoid charging your phone in public.
Is Juice Jacking A Real Issue?
In reality, it remains to be seen how widespread the issue is, and there’s been very few, if any, actual cases of the scam being recorded. Not to mention, in emergencies and instances when a phone battery is depleted and help is needed, public charging stations can be a real life-saver. In spite of this, the warning given is not one that should automatically be ignored. Instead of viewing this as something to be fearful of, recommendations on how to avoid a juice jacking scam can be thought of as tips to avoid running out of battery to begin with, and a reminder to be extra cautious when using any public service related to electronic devices. For example, regardless of the threat likelihood it is good practice to only use public charging stations when you actually need to. Many smartphone owners are probably guilty of using one of these stations not because their device is low on battery, but simply because one is nearby. In this sense, it is wise to think of public charging stations similar to public Wi-Fi where if you need it, then it is there, but otherwise it might be better off just to skip.
Another, and fail-proof way to ensure you never run out of battery when away from home is to simply invest in a portable power bank. These units are now extremely common items and can be picked up for very little. What’s more, they also come in ultra-compact sizes making the act of physically carrying one easier than ever before. While smaller power banks tend to come with limited charging capabilities, any power bank is likely to get you out of trouble when the battery indicator is flashing.
More: Need A Power Bank Or Mobile Battery? Here’s What To Look For
Source: Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office
