KISA warns of hacking risks when charging smartphones in public places abroad
Prevalence of "juice jacking" through malicious apps
The Korea Internet & Security Agency (KISA) on June 18 advised users to exercise caution, warning that connecting to open smartphone charging ports (USB) or Wi-Fi provided in public places such as overseas airports or subways may result in personal information leakage.
On this day, KISA posted a notice on its security website 'Boho Nara', stating that a hacking technique known as 'juice jacking' is prevalent, where sensitive information such as personal data can be stolen through malicious apps installed when connecting to smartphone charging ports in public places overseas.
KISA also recommended that users refrain from entering account or payment information when using open Wi-Fi provided free of charge at locations such as airports. Hackers can steal sensitive data, including account or payment information, by hacking smartphones or laptops through malicious programs installed on open Wi-Fi networks.
Additionally, KISA advised users to: apply the latest updates to smartphone operating systems (OS); use portable batteries when charging smartphones while traveling; charge devices using adapters instead of USB ports and use charge-only cables; and avoid using Wi-Fi networks without passwords.
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