Airports can be risky places for tourists when it comes to charging their mobile phones. A security expert has issued a warning, advising people to avoid using airport charging stations.
These stations may seem convenient, but they can pose serious security threats.
A recent warning from a security expert advises tourists to avoid charging their mobile phones at airports due to significant security risks.
When we have to wait for a long time or experience delays at airports, we may feel tempted to charge our phones.
However, we should be cautious because the charging stations at airports can actually be dangerous, despite their convenience.
Security expert explains why tourists should never charge their phone at the airport.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) issued a cautionary statement last year, urging people to refrain from using public charging stations, including those found in airports.
Jae Ro, a representative from SIGNAL + POWER, a plug adapter manufacturer, has explained this concern, highlighting the potential security risk associated with these charging stations.
Ro explains that charging ports at airports can be changed to put bad software, called malware, on your device.
You might not know it, but this malware can secretly take important information like your passwords and banking details.
Hackers use this technique called "juice jacking" by using broken USB ports to control your device and take your personal information.
The cable that connects your phone for charging also carries data, which means hackers can use it to access your personal information.
If your phone gets infected at the airport, it stays at risk even when you leave, so Ro wants to make sure you know this.
Additionally, charging your phone at an airport can lead to unintentional data exposure.
Even if the charging station looks normal, your phone can still be in danger.
Charging stations can send both power and data, ignoring the options on your phone to choose between "Charge only" or "Transfer files" modes.
This puts your device at risk of someone stealing your data or using it to harm you.
They can sell your stolen information on the hidden part of the internet, called the dark web, and this can cause big problems for your privacy and security.
How can we prevent these potential risks from accessing our phones through public charging stations?
To lower the risks, specialists suggest using your own charger and plugging it directly into a wall socket whenever you can.
If you have to use public charging stations, think about buying a portable battery pack or using a USB adapter that blocks data to stop unauthorized people from accessing your device.
