Originally Posted by
Bandicoot
Android phones by default disallow USB debugging, and also always prompt the user before the phone is made available to the "host" computer connecting by USB as a set of file drives. If these two attack vectors are blocked, and the phone is handling the USB port just for charging, there's little the malware can do to force itself on to the phone. I won't say the threat is zero, and there may be badly configured phones out there or those with bad software, but probably not something to worry about a lot. YMMV. I use power outlets if they're available, but if none are nearby and I need to charge, I'll use a USB slot without worrying about it.
I'd like to test that theory, unfortunately my budget is next to nil. I can think of several devices that could bypass the android challenge, but have to buy them first (not tools specifically but even simple devices). There are specifically created USB cables out there, but those aren't cheap and would be highly specialized.
As for juice jacking, it can be done, but approach could potentially be more devastating. Think of it this way. Set up a charging station...Some malls have them. You could potentially do a lot of damage until someone got wise.An airplane could be very destructive.
I purposely carry my charger and power bank for this reason