Travellers are being warned that they could be at risk of having their data stolen if they charge their phone at the airport with experts sharing their advice on how you can protect yourself and your information.
Whilst it may seem convenient to charge your phone at public USB charging stations in airports, doing so can expose you to significant cybersecurity risks. Berk Baryaktar, CEO and founder of tech company Esimatic, warns public USB ports can be compromised by cybercriminals. These criminals can access your data or install malware on your device in a process known as "juice jacking."
So how cybercriminals exploit public USB ports?
Public USB charging stations are commonly found in airports and whilst a great way of making sure you don't run out of battery, can sadly be compromised by cybercriminals looking to access personal information stored on your device. Attackers can install malware or create a connection that intercepts data transferred through the port, a tactic often referred to as "juice jacking". This means that once your device is compromised, sensitive information such as personal emails, financial data, or even login credentials can be accessed by unauthorised parties.
What can I do to stay safe?
Because of the consequences these such security breaches can have, Baryaktar stresses the best way to avoid these risks is to travel with a portable charging device. Having your own power bank allows you to recharge your phone safely without relying on public charging stations, thus minimising the chances of falling victim to malicious hackers. Not only that, you will have your phone on you at all times, and don't risk leaving it behind.
Try enabling USB Restricted Mode
The expert further recommends enabling security features such as USB Restricted Mode on your smartphone. This setting prevents data transfer over USB connections, which adds an extra layer of protection when you are forced to use a public charger. By using this feature, you can reduce the risk of unauthorised access to your data while charging in public spaces.
Ensure you carry out regular software updates
Keeping your device’s software up to date is another crucial step in safeguarding against potential cyber threats. Regular updates ensure your phone has the latest security patches and bug fixes, making it harder for cybercriminals to exploit vulnerabilities.
Use VPN
While charging stations are a risk, public Wi-Fi networks, such as those commonly available in airports, can also expose you to cyber threats. Baryaktar advises limiting your internet activity on unsecured networks to casual browsing and avoiding activities that involve personal accounts or financial transactions. For added protection, using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) can help encrypt your internet traffic and protect your data from prying eyes.
