'Juice Jacking': How Hackers Can Steal Personal Data Through Public Charging Stations

The simple act of charging your phone in a public space could cause you to fall victim to a crime called “Juice Jacking.”

Hackers can upload or steal information from your personal device while you're using an outlet at an airport, mall, or hotel.

Senior Cybersecurity Consultant Michael Cannady said when you plug in to charge your phone, you will be asked if you want your data to be accessible or shared.

Cannady said clicking "no" is always the best option. If you allow access, hackers can use their software to hijack your device which could track your location, scan personal information, or access online accounts.

He said the bad thing about "Juice Jacking" is that many people find out after it has taken place and would never know who the culprit is.

“Be mindful (of) your devices. And if all else fails, like I said, the cheap route is to go ahead and get a small external battery pack. Use that and travel with that. Connect it and then if you have to go ahead, actually charge that battery pack to charge your phone,” Cannady said.

While the Federal Communications Commission said Juice Jacking is a legitimate crime, they are not aware of any confirmed instances.