Hackers are using USB charge ports to steal information. Here's how to keep safe

Описание: IT experts say your phone can get hacked just by plugging your cord into any public USB port charger.

From making calls to surfing the web, and when that battery life runs low while you're out or traveling, most head to the nearest public charging station with USB ports.

"It's convenient too and a lot of people use it. I would imagine, especially myself," says Victor Diaz, who is visiting from Philadelphia.

But doing that can put you at risk. IT security experts we spoke with say hackers are using a new method called "juice jacking."

And it's not just at airports but at hotels, cafes, even theme parks.

"When you open some of these technologies for public use, you also open them to public misuse," says J. Colin Petersen, CEO of JIT Outsource.

He says the method is similar to the ATM and gas station skimmer devices. Now, he says hackers are manipulating public USB ports where they can steal your data, text messages, emails, photos and more.

"You get fooled into plugging your phone into (them), therefore you open yourself up to vulnerability that exist on that surreptitious that the evil doer would place in effect," Petersen says.

So how can you prevent this from happening to you? Doing just what Diaz is doing, using the cube with your cord and plugging right into the wall.

"I happened to have my cube on me and my charger and I didn't really think much of it, I kind of just sat down and plugged in but now I'm glad it's another way to secure my information," he explains.

IT security experts also say it's good to bring an extra battery pack, or purchase a USB port defender that can be found online.

It doesn't have the data pins and only used for power.

It's important to note there's been no reports of it happening here in the valley or at the Fresno Airport.