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Introduction

In the hyper-connected era, something as mundane as charging your phone can become a gateway to cyberattacks. A recent experience of Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has reignited fears of an emerging digital menace called juice jacking. Sarma, who was taking an Emirates flight from Delhi to Dubai, used an international charger and cable provided by another passenger on board. As he afterwards reported on X (formerly Twitter), the passenger got off while he slept and so could not return the borrowed items. Though most people admired the CM's humility and openness, cybersecurity experts and citizens were quick to point out a possible red flag, that it could be a juice-jacking attempt. Whether by design or not, the scene calls out to the concealed risks of using unfamiliar charging equipment, particularly for those who hold sensitive roles.

What Is Juice Jacking?

Juice jacking takes advantage of the multi-purpose nature of USB connectors, which can carry both electrical energy and information. Attackers hack USB ports or cables to either:

• Insert harmful payloads (malware, spyware, ransomware) during power transfer, or
• Create unauthorised data pathways for silent information exfiltration.

Types of Juice Jacking Attacks

1. Data Theft (Exfiltration Attack): The USB cable or port is rigged to silently extract files, media, contacts, keystrokes, or login information from the attached phone.
2. Malware Injection (Payload Attack): The USB device is set to impersonate a Human Interface Device (HID), such as a keyboard. It sends pre-defined commands (shell scripts, command-line inputs) to the host, loading backdoors or spying tools.
3. Firmware Tampering: In more sophisticated cases, attackers implement persistent malware at the bootloader or firmware level, bypassing antivirus protection and living through factory resets.
4. Remote Command-and-Control Installation: Certain strains of malware initiate backdoors to enable remote access to the device over the internet upon reconnection to a live network.

Why the Assam CM’s Incident Raised Flags 

Whereas CM Sarma's experience was one of thanks, the digital repercussions of this scenario are immense:

• High-value targets like government officials, diplomats, and corporate executives tend to have sensitive information.
• A hacked cable can be used as a spy tool, sending information or providing remote access.
• With the USB On-The-Go (OTG) feature in contemporary Android and iOS devices, an attacker can run autorun scripts and deploy payloads at device connect/disconnect.
• If device encryption is poor or security settings are incorrectly configured, attackers may gain access to location, communication history, and app credentials.

Technical Juice Jacking Indicators

The following are indications that a device could have been attacked:

• Unsolicited request for USB file access or data syncing on attaching.
• Faster battery consumption (from background activities).
• The device is acting strangely, launching apps or entering commands without user control.
• Installation of new apps without authorisation.
• Data consumption increases even if no browsing is ongoing.

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CyberPeace Tech-Policy Advisory: Preventing Juice Jacking

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1. Hardware-Level Mitigation
   
   1. Utilise USB Data Blockers: Commonly referred to as "USB condoms," such devices plug the data pins (D+ and D-), letting only power (Vcc and GND) pass through. This blocks all data communication over USB.
   2. Charge-Only Cables: Make use of cables that physically do not have data lines. These are specifically meant to provide power only.
   3. Carry a Power Bank: Use your own power source, if possible, for charging, particularly in airports, conferences, or flights.

2. Operating System(OS) Level Protections

1. iOS Devices:

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Enable USB Restricted Mode:

Keep USB accessories from being able to connect when your iPhone is locked.

Settings → Face ID & Passcode → USB Accessories → Off

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2. Android Devices:

Disable USB Debugging:

Debugging makes device access available for development, but it can be taken advantage of. If USB Debugging is turned on, and someone connects your phone to a computer, they might be able to access your data, install apps, or even control your phone, especially if your phone is unlocked. Hence, it should be kept off. 

Settings → Developer Options → USB Debugging → Off

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3. Set USB Default to 'Charge Only'

Settings → Connected Devices → USB Preferences → Default USB Configuration → Charge Only

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3) Behavioural Recommendations

• Never take chargers or USB cables from strangers.
• Don't use public USB charging points, particularly at airports or coffee shops.
• Turn full-disk encryption on on your device. It is supported by most Android and all iOS devices.
• Deploy endpoint security software that can identify rogue USB commands and report suspicious behaviour.
• Check cables or ports physically, many attack cables are indistinguishable from legitimate ones (e.g., O.MG cables).

Conclusion

"Juice jacking is no longer just a theoretical or obscure threat. In the age of highly mobile, USB-charged devices, physical-layer attacks are becoming increasingly common, and their targets are growing more strategic. The recent case involving the Assam Chief Minister was perhaps harmless, but it did serve to underscore a fundamental vulnerability in daily digital life. As mobile security becomes more relevant to individuals and organisations worldwide, knowing about hardware-based attacks like juice jacking is essential. Security never needs to be sacrificed for convenience, particularly when an entire digital identity might be at risk with just a single USB cable.

References

• https://www.indiatoday.in/trending-news/story/assam-chief-minister-himanta-biswa-sarma-x-post-on-emirates-passenger-sparks-juice-jacking-concerns-2706349-2025-04-09
• https://www.cert-in.org.in/s2cMainServlet?pageid=PUBVLNOTES02&VLCODE=CIAD-2016-0085
• https://www.fcc.gov/juice-jacking-tips-to-avoid-it
• https://www.cyberpeace.org/resources/blogs/juice-jacking
• https://support.apple.com/en-in/HT208857
• https://developer.android.com/studio/debug/dev-options

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Introduction

MEITY’s Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) in collaboration with SISA, a global leader in forensics-driven cyber security company, launched the ‘Certified Security Professional for Artificial Intelligence’ (CSPAI) program on 23rd September. This initiative marks the first of its kind ANAB-accredited AI security certification. The CSPAI also complements global AI governance efforts. International efforts like the OECD AI Principles and the European Union's AI Act, which aim to regulate AI technologies to ensure fairness, transparency, and accountability in AI systems are the sounding board for this initiative.

About the Initiative

The Certified Security Professional for Artificial Intelligence (CSPAI) is the world’s first ANAB-accredited certification program that focuses on Cyber Security for AI. The collaboration between CERT-In and SISA plays a pivotal role in shaping AI security policies. Such partnerships between the public and private players bridge the gap between government regulatory needs and the technological expertise of private players, creating comprehensive and enforceable AI security policies. The CSPAI has been specifically designed to integrate AI and GenAI into business applications while aligning security measures to meet the unique challenges that AI systems pose. The program emphasises the strategic application of Generative AI and Large Language Models in future AI deployments. It also highlights the significant advantages of integrating LLMs into business applications. 

The program is tailored for security professionals to understand the do’s and don’ts of AI integration into business applications, with a comprehensive focus on sustainable practices for securing AI-based applications. This is achieved through comprehensive risk identification and assessment frameworks recommended by ISO and NIST. The program also emphasises continuous assessment and conformance to AI laws across various nations, ensuring that AI applications adhere to standards for trustworthy and ethical AI practices.

Aim of the Initiative

As AI technology integrates itself to become an intrinsic part of business operations, a growing need for AI security expertise across industries is visible. Keeping this thought in the focal point, the accreditation program has been created to equip professionals with the knowledge and tools to secure AI systems. The CSPAI program aims to make a safer digital future while creating an environment that fosters innovation and responsibility in the evolving cybersecurity landscape focusing on Generative AI (GenAI) and Large Language Models (LLMs).

Conclusion

This Public-Private Partnership between the CERT-In and SISA, which led to the creation of the  Certified Security Professional for Artificial Intelligence (CSPAI) represents a groundbreaking initiative towards AI and its responsible usage. CSPAI can be seen as an initiative addressing the growing demand for cybersecurity expertise in AI technologies. As AI becomes more embedded in business operations, the program aims to equip security professionals with the knowledge to assess, manage, and mitigate risks associated with AI applications. CSPAI as a programme aims to promote trustworthy and ethical AI usage by aligning with frameworks from ISO and NIST and ensuring adherence to AI laws globally. The approach is a significant step towards creating a safer digital ecosystem while fostering responsible AI innovation. This certification will significantly impact the healthcare, finance, and defence sectors, where AI is rapidly becoming indispensable. By ensuring that AI applications meet the requirements of security and ethical standards in these sectors, CSPAI can help build public trust and encourage broader AI adoption.

References

• https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2057868 
• https://www.sisainfosec.com/training/payment-data-security-programs/cspai/ 
• https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/cert-in-and-sisa-launch-ai-security-certification-program-to-integrate-ai-into-business-applications/articleshow/113622067.cms 

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Introduction

In July 2025, the Digital Trust & Safety Partnership (DTSP) achieved a significant milestone with the formal acceptance of its Safe Framework Specification as an international standard, ISO/IEC 25389. This is the first globally recognised standard that is exclusively concerned with guaranteeing a secure online experience for the general public's use of digital goods and services.

Significance of the New Framework

Fundamentally, ISO/IEC 25389 provides organisations with an organised framework for recognising, controlling, and reducing risks associated with conduct or content. This standard, which was created under the direction of ISO/IEC's Joint Technical Committee 1 (JTC 1), integrates the best practices of DTSP and offers a precise way to evaluate organisational maturity in terms of safety and trust.  Crucially, it offers the first unified international benchmark, allowing organisations globally to coordinate on common safety pledges and regularly assess progress.

Other Noteworthy Standards and Frameworks

While ISO/IEC 25389 is pioneering, it’s not the only framework shaping digital trust and safety:

• One of the main outcomes of the United Nations’ 2024 Summit for the Future was the UN's Global Digital Compact, which describes cross-border cooperation on secure and reliable digital environments with an emphasis on countering harmful content, upholding online human rights, and creating accountability standards. 
• The World Economic Forum’s Digital Trust Framework defines the goals and values, such as cybersecurity, privacy, transparency, redressability, auditability, fairness, interoperability and safety, implicit to the concept of digital trust. It also provides a roadmap to digital trustworthiness that imbibes these dimensions. 
• The Framework for Integrity, Security and Trust (FIST) launched at the Cybereace Summit 2023 at USI of India in New Delhi, calls for a multistakeholder approach to co-create solutions and best practices for digital trust and safety.
• While still in the finalisation stage for implementation rollout, India's Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 (DPDP Act) and its Rules (2025) aim to strike a balance between individual rights and data processing needs by establishing a groundwork for data security and privacy.
• India is developing frameworks in cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence. Using a hub-and-spoke model under the IndiaAI Mission, the AI Safety Institute was established in early 2025 with the goal of creating standards for trustworthy, moral, and safe AI systems. Furthermore, AI standards with an emphasis on safety and dependability are being drafted by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). 
• Google's DigiKavach program (2023) and Google Safety Engineering Centre (GSEC) in Hyderabad are concrete efforts to support digital safety and fraud prevention in India's tech sector.

What It Means for India

India is already claiming its place in discussions about safety and trust around the world. Google's June 2025 safety charter for India, for example, highlights how India's distinct digital scale, diversity, and vast threat landscape provide insights that inform global cybersecurity strategies. 

For India's digital ecosystem, ISO/IEC 25389 comes at a critical juncture. Global best practices in safety and trust are desperately needed as a result of the rapid adoption of digital technologies, including the growth of digital payments, e-governance, and artificial intelligence and a concomitant rise in instances of digital harms. Through its guidelines, ISO/IEC 25389 provides a reference benchmark that Indian startups, government agencies, and tech companies can use to improve their safety standards.

Conclusion 

A global trust-and-safety standard like ISO/IEC 25389 is essential for making technology safer for people, even as we discuss the broader adoption of security and safety-by-design principles integrated into the processes of technological product development. India can improve user protection, build its reputation globally, and solidify its position as a key player in the creation of a safer, more resilient digital future by implementing this framework in tandem with its growing domestic regulatory framework (such as the DPDP Act and AI Safety policies).

References 

• https://dtspartnership.org/the-safe-framework-specification/
• https://dtspartnership.org/press-releases/dtsps-safe-framework-published-as-an-international-standard/?
• https://www.weforum.org/stories/2024/04/united-nations-global-digital-compact-trust-security/?
• https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/tech/technology/google-releases-safety-charter-for-india-senior-exec-details-top-cyber-threat-actors-in-the-country/articleshow/121903651.cms? 
• https://initiatives.weforum.org/digital-trust/framework 
• https://government.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/secure-india/the-launch-of-fist-framework-for-integrity-security-and-trust/103302090 

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