We’ve all been there: stranded in a coffee shop with a dying phone battery and no adapter on hand, only to spot a free USB charging station nearby. Relieved, you plug in your device and go about your business, unaware of a potential threat lurking within that innocent-looking USB port. That risk is “juice jacking,” a cybersecurity threat that’s gained enough attention in recent years to warrant a cautionary notice by the FBI.
So what exactly is juice jacking, and how much of a risk is it really? Here’s everything you need to know, plus some tips on how to keep your devices safe while charging on the go.