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What it is advisable know
- Google is including a function in Android 15 to dam shady knowledge transfers at public charging stations referred to as “juice jacking.”
- Juice jacking makes use of USB charging ports to put in malware, run unauthorized instructions, or steal knowledge.
- Android 15’s Lockdown mode will utterly disable USB knowledge switch whereas nonetheless permitting charging.
Google is including a brand new function to Android 15 that works to dam shady knowledge transfers at public charging stations.
Android sleuth Mishaal Rahman, writing for Android Authority, has discovered a brand new safety function for Lockdown mode within the newest Android 15 beta. This function protects your system from a sneaky hacker tactic known as “juice jacking,” which takes benefit of USB charging cables to sneak in malware, run unauthorized instructions, set up undesirable apps, or mess together with your knowledge.
Juice jacking is a hidden danger that got here to life because of the widespread availability of USB charging ports. This cyberattack exploits the telephone’s single port for energy and knowledge switch. Utilizing a compromised public station can open the door for hackers to put in malware, steal private knowledge, or take full management of your telephone.
Whereas Rahman acknowledges the dangers of juice jacking, he additionally factors out the present safety measures that assist mitigate these threats. As an example, Android’s default settings already block USB Debugging till the system is unlocked. Plus, accessing system information requires switching to file switch mode. These built-in safeguards create a robust protection in opposition to unauthorized ADB instructions or makes an attempt to entry your information.
Nevertheless, Rahman admits {that a} completely executed juice jacking assault might critically compromise your system. To fight this, Android 15 is introducing a big improve to Lockdown mode. This new function utterly disables USB knowledge switch whereas nonetheless permitting charging. This implies you may cost your telephone at public stations with out worrying about your knowledge being in danger.
To allow this safety, simply maintain down the facility button and choose “Lockdown” from the Energy menu (in case your settings permit it). One faucet prompts a digital defend round your knowledge.
Rahman examined the function on a Pixel 6 Professional and one other system working Android 14. The decision was clear: Android 15 cuts off all USB knowledge transfers when Lockdown is activated.
Pixel customers with appropriate fashions can look ahead to this function with the official Android 15 replace. Customers of different Android telephones might need to attend a bit longer, as it is going to be as much as particular person producers to replace their USB {Hardware} Abstraction Layer (HAL) to help the brand new Lockdown mode APIs.
Despite the fact that the percentages of a juice-jacking assault are slim, Android 15’s upgraded Lockdown mode gives an additional layer of safety for cautious customers. Public charging worries is usually a factor of the previous.
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