As technology advances, our reliance on mobile devices grows, making it more important to stay connected and charged. One of the ways we try to stay connected is by utilizing public charging stations. However, these charging stations can also pose a significant risk to your data. This act is known as "juice jacking."
Juice jacking is a type of cyber-attack that involves installing malware onto public charging stations to steal data from the device that is being charged. The malware can copy personal information such as passwords, contacts, and other sensitive data. This act has become more common in recent years, and it is important for both corporate and retail real estate companies who utilize public charging stations to enhance tenant and visitor experiences to take the necessary steps to secure their networks and protect end users.
One of the primary ways to protect against juice jacking is by securing public charging stations. Corporate and retail real estate companies can work together to protect their networks and end users by implementing the following measures:
Install security software: Installing security software on public charging stations is a critical step to protect against malware. The software should be updated regularly to ensure that it can detect the latest threats.
Implement network segmentation: Network segmentation is the practice of dividing a network into smaller segments, which can be secured separately. This approach can limit the spread of malware to other parts of the network, making it easier to contain and manage.
Educate users: Companies should educate users on the dangers of using public charging stations and the steps they can take to protect their data. This includes reminding users to avoid using unsecured charging stations and to use only trusted charging cables.
Regular maintenance: Regular maintenance of public charging stations is necessary to ensure that they are operating correctly and that there are no vulnerabilities that can be exploited by cyber-criminals.
Continuous Monitoring: Having a cyber security provider continuously monitor and manage your network will also be vital in preventing juice jacking from happening. A Security Operations Center like the one provided by 5Q Centry can accomplish this.
Juice jacking is a growing threat that can compromise sensitive data. Corporate and retail real estate companies can take steps to secure their networks and end users by implementing security measures such as the ones mentioned above. By taking these steps, companies can protect against juice jacking and provide a safer charging experience for their customers.
If you’re not sure how to start implementing these protocols in your business, email us at info@5qcloud.com so that our team of cyber security experts can help secure your data and assets as well as prevent the reputational damage of a juice jacking attack. To learn more about our full suite of services for CRE organizations, visit 5qcloud.com.