Security expert warns why you shouldn't charge your phone at an airport: "Your device becomes..."

The rush of traveling often prompts tourists to bypass trivial concerns, like the security risks of charging your phone at an airport or a public station. Most are likely unaware of the evils of malicious software used to hack devices via USB ports in public spaces and a security expert has weighed in on the grave issue that could breach someone’s privacy. While charging can be the least of concerns when trying to catch a flight, Jae Ro, an expert from plug adapter manufacturer SIGNAL + POWER warned of the primary reasons one should refrain from the habit, per MailOnline. 

Hackers can prove to be a handful in the current tide of technological boom. Ro explained the potential of malware exposed to personal devices when charging through a USB port at an airport. According to him, these ports are “tampered with” to install the malware automatically and skim through personal data. “This malware can lurk undetected, quietly stealing sensitive information like passwords and banking details,” the security expert said. Therefore, the security risks involved with this seemingly harmless convenience are colossal. As the saying goes, "Convenience is the thief of curiosity" – the theft of data, in this case. 

Juice jacking is a technique where a corrupted USB port is utilized to push malware into a device, liberating the hackers to lock or export all data– including passwords and other sensitive information– from someone’s device to their own. Ro warned that this problematic tactic makes smartphones especially vulnerable to data theft. This is because mobile devices are wired to transfer data and recharge batteries from the same data cable. “Once infected, your phone becomes vulnerable not just at the airport, but wherever you take it,” he revealed.

Lastly, charging stations may seem like a boon when desperately looking to restart a dead phone in an airport terminal. But Ro suggested this could potentially be a bane in disguise. Even the best chance of a particularly safe charging port can result in unintentional data exposure. Charging stations, apparently have the superpower to transfer both data and power. “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,” the expert informed. While smartphones now have the option to filter if the data cable may be used to transfer files or “Charge Only,” this aspect is invalidated in most cases. 

The security risks associated with public charging ports were also raised by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in April 2023. They issued an official notice on X (@FBIDenver), “Avoid using free charging stations in airports, hotels or shopping centers. Bad actors have figured out ways to use public USB ports to introduce malware and monitoring software onto devices.” They advised that tourists rather carry their own charger and USB cords, or prefer to use an electrical outlet over a USB port instead. Similarly, Ro chimed in with a few alternatives that enable tourists to ensure their cyber-safety when bound to use a public charging station. 

The foremost step towards data safety would be to invest in a portable charger. Trusted sources like personal chargers, or electrical outlets are safer than USB ports. And the final step is to, manually disable data transfer on mobile devices before connecting to the port. What will a hacker do with my data? In the age of smartphones, this question has no semblance, granted, most travelers now store essential data on their devices, from authorized identification to bank details and even flight tickets.