Airports: Phone Charging Shops For Travelers On The Go

As our phones become increasingly integral to our daily lives, running out of battery can be a stressful experience. This is especially true when travelling, as we rely on our phones to navigate, communicate, and access important documents. Airports, aware of this, have started to provide charging stations, but is this a safe option? The short answer is no. The FBI has warned against using public USB charging stations as they can be modified by cybercriminals to install malware and monitoring software on your device. This practice, known as juice jacking, can compromise your data and privacy. To avoid this, it is recommended to carry your own charger and USB cord and use an electrical outlet instead. Alternatively, you can purchase portable power banks or carry spare batteries to ensure you don't run out of power. While the convenience of airport charging stations is tempting, it's important to prioritize the security of your personal information.

Airports have charging stations, but are they safe?

Airports are a hub of travellers, often with a need to charge their devices. As a result, airports have charging stations, but are they safe to use? The short answer is: it depends.

The FBI has issued a warning about public USB charging stations, urging people to avoid them. The reason for this is that bad actors have found ways to use these ports to introduce malware and monitoring software onto devices. This is known as "juice jacking". The FBI recommends that people carry their own charger and USB cord and use an electrical outlet instead. This is because electrical outlets cannot transmit data to your phone, only power.

However, if you are in a pinch and need to use a public USB charging station, there are ways to do so safely. You can use a USB data blocker, such as the Juice-Jack Defender or the PortaPow USB Data Blocker, which ensures that the USB cable only charges your device and doesn't allow access to your data. Alternatively, you can use a power-only USB cable, which only transfers power and has no data connection. These cables look identical to regular USB cables but do not transmit data, only power.

Most large airports have stores that sell phone accessories, including wired chargers. You can also find charging stations in airports that you can pay to use. However, it is important to be cautious when using public charging stations, as you never know who has used them before and what they may have done to them.

So, while airport charging stations can be safe to use, it is always a good idea to take precautions to protect your personal information and data.

Overall, while airport charging stations may be convenient, it is important to be aware of the potential risks involved and take the necessary precautions to protect your data. By using USB data blockers, power-only cables, or simply plugging into a regular electrical outlet, you can help ensure that your devices stay safe and secure while charging on the go.

What are the risks of using public USB charging stations?

Public USB charging stations, such as those found in airports, hotels, cafes, shopping centres, and hospitals, pose a risk to users due to the potential presence of malware. This issue, known as "juice jacking", allows attackers to access data on connected devices and install malicious software. While there is a lack of confirmed reports of juice jacking, authorities such as the FBI and the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office have warned against using public USB charging stations.

The risks associated with public USB charging stations include data theft and malware installation. Attackers can modify USB sockets or use compromised cables to gain access to users' devices. This can result in the export of personal data, passwords, emails, text messages, photos, and contacts to the attacker's remote servers. Criminals can then use this information to access online accounts or sell it to other malicious actors. Additionally, malware installed on a device can lock it, preventing access to important information or functions.

To mitigate these risks, it is recommended to use a USB data blocker or a power-only USB cable when charging at public stations. These tools act as a barrier between the charging station and the device, blocking data transfer while allowing the device to charge safely. It is also advisable to carry your own charger and USB cord and use an electrical outlet instead of a USB charging station. External batteries and charging-only cables from trusted suppliers can also help prevent data breaches while keeping your device charged.

It is important to be cautious when using public USB charging stations and to prioritize protecting your personal information and device security. By following recommended safety measures, you can reduce the risk of data theft and malware infection while still taking advantage of the convenience of charging stations when needed.

Overall, while public USB charging stations can be convenient, it is crucial to be aware of the potential risks involved. By taking the necessary precautions, such as using data blockers or power-only cables, you can help protect your device and personal information from malicious attacks. Staying informed and proactive about your digital security is essential in today's connected world.

How to safely use airport charging stations

Airports usually have charging stations, but they can be unsafe. The FBI has warned against using public USB charging stations as attackers can install malware to steal your data. This is called "juice jacking". Here are some tips to safely use airport charging stations:

Use a USB data blocker

Connect a USB data blocker like the Juice-Jack Defender or the PortaPow USB Data Blocker. This ensures that the USB cable only charges your device and blocks access to your data. USB data blockers are portable and affordable, and they prevent data theft.

Use a power-only USB cable

If you only need to charge a single device, carry a power-only USB cable. These cables look like regular USB cables but only transfer power and not data. This way, there is no risk of malware reaching your device.

Avoid public charging stations

If your device has enough charge to last you through your journey, avoid public charging stations altogether. Also, be cautious of unknown people offering charging cables.

Opt for wireless charging

If your phone supports wireless charging, this is a safer option than USB charging stations. Juice jacking does not affect your phone when you charge it wirelessly.

Carry your own charger

The FBI recommends carrying your own charger and USB cord and using an electrical outlet instead of a USB charging station. You can also carry an external battery or power bank.

Tweak your phone settings

When you plug your phone into a charging station, select "charge only" if given the option to prevent data transfer.

What are the alternatives to using public USB charging stations?

The FBI has issued a warning against using public USB charging stations, citing the risk of "juice jacking", where bad actors use the ports to hack into phones and install malware. So, what are some alternatives to using these public charging stations?

Firstly, you can carry your own charger and USB cord and use an electrical outlet instead. This is a simple solution that eliminates the risk of data theft or malware infection. It is also a faster way to charge your device. Carrying a power bank or an external battery is another option. This allows you to charge your devices on the go without relying on public charging stations.

If you do choose to use a public USB charging station, there are ways to mitigate the risks. Use a USB data blocker or a power-only USB cable to prevent data transfer and block access to your data. These cables only allow charging functionality, so there is no path for malware to reach your device. You can also be selective about the stations you use, opting for those in well-lit, secure locations operated by reputable organizations, and avoiding stations that appear damaged or poorly maintained.

Additionally, when plugging your device into a USB port, always select the "charge only" option if given the choice to "share data" or "trust this computer". Keeping your device updated with the latest software can also help address security vulnerabilities and make it harder for malware to infiltrate your system.

What are the official recommendations for charging phones at airports?

The FBI's Recommendations

The FBI has warned the public to "avoid using free charging stations in airports, hotels or shopping centres". This is because "bad actors have figured out ways to use public USB ports to introduce malware and monitoring software onto devices". This type of attack is known as "juice jacking".

The FBI recommends that you "carry your own charger and USB cord and use an electrical outlet instead". Standard electrical outlets are safer because they cannot transmit data to your phone and they tend to charge your device faster.

The FAA's Recommendations

The FAA says that passengers can carry up to two lithium-ion batteries in their carry-on luggage. These batteries can be used to charge a phone, provided they store up to 101-160 watt hours (Wh) per unit.

Other Recommendations

Some other recommendations to ensure your phone is charged at an airport, without risking data theft, include:

• Using a USB data blocker, such as the Juice-Jack Defender or the PortaPow USB Data Blocker
• Carrying a power-only USB cable, which only transfers power and not data
• Tweaking your phone settings to 'charge only' when plugged into a charging station
• Carrying a portable power bank
• Activating the Auto Blocker function on eligible Samsung devices

Frequently asked questions