It’s crucial to remember to bring your portable chargers and avoid using airport charging stations, as advised by a security expert.
In today’s world, much of our daily activities are influenced by the small devices we constantly hold in our hands.
Our phones now often contain essential information such as boarding passes and flight details, making it vital that they are fully charged before traveling to our destinations.
On long flights, or if you’re frequently closing apps, you might need to recharge your battery at some point. However, a security expert advises against using airport charging stations for this purpose, and there’s a valid reason behind it.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) issued a warning last year against utilizing public phone charging stations, including those at airports.
The FBI’s official website cautions: “Avoid using free charging stations in airports, hotels, or shopping centres.”
Jae Ro, representing plug adapter company SIGNAL + POWER, has also expressed similar concerns.
Though these charging stations are convenient to use, Jae warns of the significant security risks involved, explaining to Mail Online: “These ports can be tampered with to install malicious software (malware) on your device. “This malware can operate undetected, quietly extracting sensitive information like passwords and banking details.”
A hacking technique known as ‘juice jacking’ presents another reason to avoid connecting your phone to airport charging stations.
This technique involves malware being installed through a corrupted USB port, which can lock your device or transfer all your personal data and passwords to the hacker.
The power supply and data stream pass through the same cable on smartphones, enabling hackers to access your personal information.
“Once infected, your phone becomes vulnerable not just at the airport, but wherever you take it,” Jae informed the publication.
Moreover, charging your phone at an airport can inadvertently expose your data.
Even if the charging station remains untampered, your device can still be at risk.
“Charging stations can transfer both data and power,” Jae explained. “While phones prompt users to choose between ‘Charge only’ and ‘Transfer files’ modes, this protection is often bypassed with charging stations.
“Consequently, your device could be exposed to data interception or exploitation. This stolen data could be used for identity theft or sold on the dark web.”
So, make sure to bring your portable charger next time. It’s always better to be cautious.