FBI warns of juice-jacking; here’s how to protect your data when traveling

Hackers are ready to steal your information — even on vacation

Basic Cyber Threats , and How to Protect Yourself.Fox News recently offered readers a guide to internet security and different forms of cyberattacks.Malware is an often-used abbreviation for malicious software, or software developed with malicious intent.Malware can force a virus to download or present itself as an attachment that gives hackers access to your device. .Ransomware is a specific type of malware that allows hackers access to your device or personal information which will be returned in exchange for a ransom. .Ransomware is a specific type of malware that allows hackers access to your device or personal information which will be returned in exchange for a ransom. .A trojan is another type of malware that looks like a real file or application, but it is actually malicious code that can replicate and spread through your device. .A trojan is another type of malware that looks like a real file or application, but it is actually malicious code that can replicate and spread through your device. .Typically, trojans look like a legitimate email attachment. .To protect yourself from different types of malware, Fox News suggests three simple steps.1, Don't open emails, attachments or links from anyone you don't know.Be sure to double-check that emails and texts are from someone you know. This means checking the actual email address or number. .2, Invest in good antivirus protection that covers all of your devices.3, Switch to a private and secure email server.

There’s plenty to worry about when traveling. Now, it seems, you might want to add public charging stations to the list.

While experienced travelers may know to keep their heads on a swivel to avoid being pickpocketed, or to watch out for taxis with “broken” meters, it turns out the danger of data theft is ever present in the form of those oh-so-convenient phone charging stations in hotels and airports.

The FBI is warning travelers to avoid using public phone charging stations, which hackers have been able to commandeer in order to install monitoring software and other malware on devices. It’s a practice called juice-jacking.

How to avoid being juice-jacked

  • Travel with your own portable charger.
  • Travel with a full charging set - cord and electrical outlet adapter. If you must charge your device in a public place, an ordinary electrical outlet is preferable to a USB slot.
  • Use a charging-only cable instead of a USB cable. Charge-only cables allow your smartphone to charge but cannot share any data.
  • Avoid plugs that already have a chord attached. It might seem like a fellow traveler forgot their cable, but it might have been left on purpose by a hacker.

On the subject of data security while traveling, public Wi-Fi is another weak point. These networks are usually unencrypted and unsecured, leaving phone data — including browsing history, passwords, financial documents and transactions — vulnerable.

If you absolutely need to use public Wi-Fi, consider downloading a mobile virtual private network (VPN). VPNs offer privacy protection even when you’re on an otherwise public network. And its a smart solution whether you’re traveling the world or just using the Wi-Fi at your favorite coffee shop.

Hackers will always find new ways to get information, from email phishing scams to USB ports to Wi-Fi services. Being aware of the latest cybersecurity trends can help protect your data.