Featured Image Credit: Getty Stock Images
Topics: Travel, Technology, Phones
Callum Jones
A security expert has warned tourists against charging mobile phones at the airport with three specific dangers.
You can see the many benefits to charging a phone at the airport before boarding a flight.
First of all, boarding passes are often found on phones nowadays, so it's important to have that device charged up to present to airline staff at the gate.
And second, flights are pretty boring if you have nothing to do; so whether it be catching up on Netflix, or a podcast, a mobile phone is likely to be in use - and the last thing you want is a phone to die during an all important show.
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Charging stations are found in pretty much every airport nowadays, but a security expert has warned against using them.
While these charging stations are simple and easy to use, Jae Ro, from plug adapter manufacturer SIGNAL + POWER warns 'the convenience comes with a huge security risk'.
"These ports can be tampered with to install malicious software (malware) on your device," he told the MailOnline.
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He added: "This malware can lurk undetected, quietly stealing sensitive information like passwords and banking details."
A technique used by hackers known as 'juice jacking' is another reason why you don't want to hook your phone up to a charging station at the airport.
This involves malware installed through a corrupted USB port which locks your device or even exports all of your personal data and password directly to the perpetrator.
The power supply and data stream on smartphones pass through the same cable, allowing hackers to take control of your personal information.
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"Once infected, your phone becomes vulnerable not just at the airport, but wherever you take it," Jae told the MailOnline.
Furthermore, charging your mobile phone at an airport can lead to unintentional data exposure.
And even if the charging station hasn't been tampered with, your device very much remains at risk.
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"Charging stations can transfer both data and power," Jae said. "While phones prompt users to choose between 'Charge only' and 'Transfer files' modes, this protection is often bypassed with charging stations.
"As a result, 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."
In 2024, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) issued a warning against using public phone charging stations, including those found at airports.
“Avoid using free charging stations in airports, hotels, or shopping centres," a warning on the FBI website states.