Charging your phone at the airport has become a common practice among travelers these days. However, they need to be aware that charging in public places like airports is not always safe. Security expert Jae Ro from SIGNAL + POWER has issued an important warning about the potential dangers of using charging stations at airports.
Malware Risk
When their phones run out of battery, many travelers use charging stations at the airport.
According to Jae, the convenience of charging your phone at the airport poses a major security risk. Public USB charging ports can be hacked to install malware on passengers’ devices without their knowledge. This malware can work silently, stealing sensitive information such as passwords and bank account details. The US intelligence and security agency even issued a warning via Denver’s official Twitter account to avoid using free charging stations at airports, hotels or shopping malls because bad guys can take advantage of public USB ports to spread malware and surveillance software.
Data Disclosure
In addition to the above threats, charging your phone at the airport can also lead to unintentional data disclosure. Even if charging stations are not hacked, they can still transfer both data and power, creating the risk of personal data loss. This highlights the importance of checking and following a trusted source when charging your phone.
Juice Jacking Technique
Juice jacking is a sophisticated but dangerous technique. Malware can be installed through a damaged USB port, potentially locking the device or even directly accessing a traveler’s personal data, including passwords and account information. This is because in smartphones, power and data run through the same cable, creating ideal conditions for attackers.
Tips and precautions
To avoid falling into the trap of the above threats, security expert Jae Ro offers the following advice: Passengers should use their own personal charger or borrow one from someone they trust, and avoid using public charging stations if possible.
If using a public charging station is unavoidable, disable data transmission on your phone before connecting it. Additionally, passengers should consider using a "Data Blocker" cable - a tool that blocks unwanted data from being transmitted via USB cables.
(According to 24h, April 7, 2024)
Source
Comment (0)