After hours of pointless browsing, checking directions, and communicating with friends and family on a trip, many people drain their phone battery when they reach the terminal and head to the convenient USB charging stations.
These convenient stops may seem like an ideal solution, but hackers have figured out how to “load” them with viruses.
Jae Ro of plug adapter maker Signal + Power explained three reasons why you shouldn’t.
1. Risk of malware
According to Jae, the number one reason you should never charge your phone at an airport is that “convenience comes with a big security risk.”
He explained: “These ports can be spoofed to install malicious software (malware) on your device.
This malware can go unnoticed and silently steal sensitive information such as passwords and banking details.
Photo by Shutterstock. / Phone charging
Last year, the United States Intelligence and Security Service posted a message on its official Denver Twitter account (now “X”). It said: “Avoid using free charging stations at airports, hotels or shopping malls. Bad actors have figured out how to take advantage of public USB ports to install malware and surveillance programs on devices.”
2. Juice jacking
The expert went on to warn about a method called “juice jacking”.
A compromised USB connection can install malware, lock your device, or export all your personal data and password directly to a criminal.
This works because in smartphones, the power source and the data flow go through the same cable.
Jae said, “An infected phone becomes vulnerable not only at the airport, but anywhere you take it.”
123RF.com photo. / Airport
3. Impact of Data
Finally, charging a mobile device at the airport can inadvertently expose data.
Even if the charging station has not been damaged, you may still be at risk.
The expert revealed: “Charging stations can transmit both data and energy.
This stolen data can later be used for identity theft or sold online.
Although phones prompt users to select “Charge Only” and “File Transfer” modes, this protection is often bypassed at charging stations.
Therefore, your device may be vulnerable to data interception or exploitation. This stolen data can then be used for identity theft or sold online.”
In addition to issuing a warning, Jae also shared tips on how to safely charge your phone at the airport, should you ever find yourself in a situation where you need it.
The first tip is to invest in a portable charger so you don’t have to rely on public charging stations.
Second – stick to reliable sources and only use your personal charger or borrow one from someone you trust – wall sockets are also better than USB connections.
123RF.com photo. / Charging a mobile phone at the airport
He also adds: “If you must use a public station, turn off data on your phone before connecting. This will ensure that only electricity flows through the wire.
Also consider data blocking cables – a USB data blocking device prevents data from being transferred between your device and the charging station, but only allows power to be transferred.’
