When you're flying abroad, it's easy to get overwhelmed by details like rechecking flight schedules or ensuring proper travel documents. But one of the most crucial steps that the majority of tourists overlook is to charge their cell phones at airports—a seemingly harmless procedure that ends up exposing them to real security risks. Although charging your phone might seem an easy way of charging your phone in long queues, experts recommend that charging in public outlets at airports has serious consequences on your security and privacy.
The dark side of airport charging stations: What travellers need to know
In the modern era of technology, smartphones are part of almost every activity associated with traveling, such as carrying boarding passes, flight information, and staying connected with family members. Airports offer conveniently placed charging stations where passengers can recharge their phones prior to travel. Such charging stations are filled with security threats that are alien to the general public. Jae Ro, a security expert at SIGNAL + POWER, explains that accessing these stations risks exposing passengers to high security threats.
Even a charge on your phone could be seen as something innocuous to do, because public charging points are accessible by hackers. Ro reports that malware can be injected by cyberhackers using infected charging points, and this malware will not be seen in your phone. This malware steals data that is personal in nature such as passwords, banking details, and personal information. The clandestine threat posed by these charging points is the greatest concern to travelers, who access their phones for vital information.
Understanding the risks of juice jacking at airport charging stations
One of the most frightening threats of airport charging points is a method known as juice jacking. It happens when cyber attackers infect USB ports with malware, enabling them to steal your information straight from your phone or even lock it. This vulnerability, according to Ro, is because data and power travel via the same cable when charging a phone. If your charging port has been compromised, the attackers are able to utilize this connection to access your information without your knowledge. Now that you've infected your device, it's not only a risk when you're at the airport. Ro indicates that the infected device would also be hazardous when you are leaving the airport since the malware is persistent and it is accessible from where you are no matter how far. Thus, your confidential details remain at risk of misuse for a considerable length of time and cause data exposure or identity theft.
Potential threats of unauthorised data exposure at charging stations
Even if the charging station appears to be safe, there is always a possibility of unauthorized data exposure. Charging stations not only supply power, but they also transfer data between your device and the station. Although smartphones typically prompt users to select between "Charge only" or "Transfer files" modes, this security feature is simple to disable in public charging stations.
Ro informs us that since we have no authority over such charging stations, your phone becomes open to interception of data. In case the hackers access your phone via an unsecured charging station, your bank details or travel tickets may be stolen by them. Your information can either be sold in the dark web or used to commit identity theft. Given how much information about ourselves we carry on our phones these days, from bank account numbers to passport information, the stakes are high.
FBI warns against using public charging stations
The risks associated with public charging points have not escaped the notice of the authorities. In 2024, the FBI issued a public alert warning travellers against the use of complimentary charging terminals at airports, hotels, shopping centers, or at any other public point. The agency's alert states that the security threats presented by such charging terminals are real, and travellers need to try alternative ways of charging their mobile devices to remain secure.
Tips for avoiding risks at public charging stations
Also Read | Scientists have discovered a new color, 'Olo,' visible only through laser technology; here’s what it means
The dark side of airport charging stations: What travellers need to know
In the modern era of technology, smartphones are part of almost every activity associated with traveling, such as carrying boarding passes, flight information, and staying connected with family members. Airports offer conveniently placed charging stations where passengers can recharge their phones prior to travel. Such charging stations are filled with security threats that are alien to the general public. Jae Ro, a security expert at SIGNAL + POWER, explains that accessing these stations risks exposing passengers to high security threats.
Even a charge on your phone could be seen as something innocuous to do, because public charging points are accessible by hackers. Ro reports that malware can be injected by cyberhackers using infected charging points, and this malware will not be seen in your phone. This malware steals data that is personal in nature such as passwords, banking details, and personal information. The clandestine threat posed by these charging points is the greatest concern to travelers, who access their phones for vital information.
Understanding the risks of juice jacking at airport charging stations
One of the most frightening threats of airport charging points is a method known as juice jacking. It happens when cyber attackers infect USB ports with malware, enabling them to steal your information straight from your phone or even lock it. This vulnerability, according to Ro, is because data and power travel via the same cable when charging a phone. If your charging port has been compromised, the attackers are able to utilize this connection to access your information without your knowledge. Now that you've infected your device, it's not only a risk when you're at the airport. Ro indicates that the infected device would also be hazardous when you are leaving the airport since the malware is persistent and it is accessible from where you are no matter how far. Thus, your confidential details remain at risk of misuse for a considerable length of time and cause data exposure or identity theft.
Potential threats of unauthorised data exposure at charging stations
Even if the charging station appears to be safe, there is always a possibility of unauthorized data exposure. Charging stations not only supply power, but they also transfer data between your device and the station. Although smartphones typically prompt users to select between "Charge only" or "Transfer files" modes, this security feature is simple to disable in public charging stations.
Ro informs us that since we have no authority over such charging stations, your phone becomes open to interception of data. In case the hackers access your phone via an unsecured charging station, your bank details or travel tickets may be stolen by them. Your information can either be sold in the dark web or used to commit identity theft. Given how much information about ourselves we carry on our phones these days, from bank account numbers to passport information, the stakes are high.
FBI warns against using public charging stations
The risks associated with public charging points have not escaped the notice of the authorities. In 2024, the FBI issued a public alert warning travellers against the use of complimentary charging terminals at airports, hotels, shopping centers, or at any other public point. The agency's alert states that the security threats presented by such charging terminals are real, and travellers need to try alternative ways of charging their mobile devices to remain secure.
Tips for avoiding risks at public charging stations
- Use a portable charger:
- Shut down data transmission capabilities:
- Change to "charge only" mode
Also Read | Scientists have discovered a new color, 'Olo,' visible only through laser technology; here’s what it means
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