I’m a security expert – here are THREE reasons why you should never charge your phone at the airport

A security expert is warning travelers about the hidden dangers of charging their phones at the airport.

After hours of mindlessly scrolling, checking directions, and contacting friends and family during a trip, many people find their phone’s battery running low and they head for the convenient USB port charging stations as soon as they reach their terminal.

While these convenient stations may seem like the ideal solution, many travelers have been caught off guard as hackers have devised ways to overload them with viruses.

Jae Ro, from plug adapter manufacturer SIGNAL + POWER, explained the three reasons why you should never do it.

1. Malware risk

According to Jae, the first reason to never charge your phone at the airport is because “the convenience comes with a huge security risk.”

He explained: ‘These ports can be tampered with to install malicious software (malware) on your device.

“This malware can lurk unnoticed and silently steal sensitive information such as passwords and banking details.”

Last year, the US Intelligence and Security Service published a message via its official Twitter account in Denver. It said: ‘Avoid using free charging stations at airports, hotels or shopping centres. Bad actors have devised ways to use public USB ports to introduce malware and monitoring software to devices.”

2. Suck juice

The expert then warned about a technique called ‘juice jacking’.

Here, malware can be installed via a damaged USB port, locking the device or exporting all your personal data and password directly to the perpetrator.

It works because in smartphones the power supply and 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 as hackers have devised ways to overload them with viruses.

3. Data exposure

Finally, charging your mobile device at the airport can lead to accidental data exposure.

Even if the charging station is not affected, you are still at risk.

The expert revealed: ‘Charging stations can transfer both data and power.

‘While phones ask users to choose between ‘Charge Only’ and ‘File Transfer’ modes, this protection is often bypassed at charging stations.

‘As a result, your device may 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 the warning, Jae also provided some advice on how to safely charge your phone at the airport if you find yourself in a situation where you need to.

The first tip is to invest in a portable charger so you don’t have to rely on public charging stations.

Second, stick to trusted sources and only use your own personal charger or borrow one from someone you trust; wall sockets are also better than USB ports.

He adds: ‘If you need to use a public station, turn off data transfer on your phone before connecting it. This guarantees that current only 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.’