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A security expert is warning travelers about the hidden dangers of charging their phones at the airport.
After hours of mindless scrolling, checking directions, and contacting friends and family during a trip, many people run out of phone battery and head to convenient USB port charging stations once they reach their device. .
However, while these convenient stations may seem like the ideal solution, many travelers have been caught off guard when hackers have discovered ways to load them with viruses.
Jae Ro from plug adapter manufacturer SIGNAL + POWER has explained the three reasons why you should never do this.
After hours of mindless scrolling, checking directions, and contacting friends and family during a trip, many people turn to convenient USB charging stations once they reach their terminal (stock image)
1. Malware risk
According to Jae, the first reason to never charge your phone at the airport is because “convenience comes with a huge security risk.”
He explained: ‘These ports can be manipulated to install malicious software (malware) on your device.
“This malware can lurk undetected, silently stealing sensitive information such as passwords and banking details.”
Last year, the United States intelligence and security service published a message through its official Denver Twitter account. It stated: ‘Avoid using free charging stations in airports, hotels or shopping centres. Bad actors have discovered ways to use public USB ports to introduce malware and monitoring software to devices.’
2. Juice Lift
Next, the expert warned about a technique called ‘juice jacking’.
This is where malware can be installed through a damaged USB port, bricking your device or exporting all your personal data and password directly to the perpetrator.
It works because when it comes to smartphones, the power supply and the data flow go through the same cable.
Jae said: “Once infected, your phone becomes vulnerable not only at the airport, but wherever you take it.”
While these convenient stations may seem like the ideal solution, many travelers have been caught off guard when hackers have discovered ways to load them with viruses.
3. Data exposure
Finally, charging your mobile device at the airport can lead to unintentional exposure of your data.
Even if the charging station has not been compromised, you could still be at risk.
The expert revealed: ‘Charging stations can transfer both data and energy.
‘While phones prompt users to choose between “Charge Only” and “Transfer Files” modes, this protection is often overlooked at charging stations.
‘As a result, your device could be vulnerable to data interception or exploitation. This stolen data can later be used for identity theft or sold on the dark web.’
In addition to issuing the warning, Jae also shared some tips on how to safely charge your phone at the airport if you find yourself in a situation where it’s necessary.
The first tip is to invest in a portable charger so you don’t have to rely on public charging stations.
Second, use trusted sources and only use your own personal charger or borrow one from someone you trust; Wall plugs are also better than USB ports.
He adds: ‘If you must use a public station, disable data transfer on your phone before connecting it. This ensures that only power flows through the cable.
“Also consider ‘data blocker’ cables: a USB data blocker prevents data transfer between your device and the charging station, allowing only power transfer.”