At malls or cafes, people easily plug a cable into a USB port to charge their phones. However, cybercriminals are taking advantage of this convenience. USB charging scams, also known as "juice jacking," are on the rise. To protect against this threat, a new device is now available on the market called the USB Condom.

What Is USB Condom: USB charging points are commonplace in public places these days. People easily plug a cable into a USB port to charge their phone at airports, railway stations, malls, or cafes. But cybercriminals are taking advantage of this convenience. USB charging scams, also known as "juice jacking," are rapidly increasing. To protect against this danger, a new device is now available on the market—a USB condom. This device is considered essential for travelers.

What is a USB Condom?
A USB Condom is a small USB data blocker that prevents any data transfer from your phone or tablet. Its function is simple: it allows only power to pass through the USB port, but blocks the data pins. This means that you can charge your phone using a public USB port, but your data will never be able to escape through the port. Nowadays, people are afraid to use their phones in public places because they fear that their data might be stolen under the pretext of charging. The USB Condom was created to eliminate this fear.

How much does it cost and how to get it?
A USB condom costs around ₹500 in India. It's easily available on online e-commerce websites. One of the most popular devices is the PortaPow USB Data Blocker. It's very easy to use—you attach it to your USB cable and then plug it into a charging point. Your phone will then only charge, but no data will be transferred. In simple terms, it turns your USB cable into a "charging cable only."

Why are USB charging scams on the rise?
In juice jacking scams, attackers secretly inject malware into public charging stations. As soon as someone plugs their phone in for charging, the virus can reach the phone. This virus poses two major risks:
phone lock (ransomware) and personal data theft. Reports indicate that millions of people have fallen victim to this scam, and the threat is constantly increasing. That's why the use of USB condoms is considered essential today.

Beware of USB cables hanging in public places.
Scammers often deliberately leave USB cables hanging in public places so that people can easily plug their phones in. This is a very dangerous situation, as these cables can be installed with malware. Never be tempted by such cables. If you don't have any other charging facility, using a USB condom is your only way to protect yourself.

Ransomware can lead to major fraud.
The biggest threat of USB charging scam is ransomware. In this, a virus enters your phone which locks your entire phone. After this the hacker asks you for money, and unless you pay the money, the phone is not unlocked. Many times people even pay the money, but still the phone is not unlocked. This fraud is so dangerous that all the data of the mobile can be lost forever. That is why cyber security experts clearly say - use public USB port only if you have a USB condom.

PC:Zeenews