In order to provide convenience for customers in the era of technology devices, when mobile phones have become an indispensable item for most people, airports nowadays are equipped with public USB charging ports.
The presence of these ports is a lifesaver for many people when they need to urgently contact or maintain a ready-to-communicate state while their phones are out of battery. However, if possible, people should still avoid charging their phones using public USB ports at airports.
Why should you not charge your phone using public USB ports at airports?
Charging your phone “carelessly” using public USB ports at airports carries many risks as your personal information can easily be hacked and stolen.
In early April 2023, the FBI office in Denver (USA) posted a warning on Twitter, advising travelers not to use the free chargers at airports, hotels, or shopping centers.
“Bad actors have found ways to use public USB charging ports to install malicious software and monitor your device. To be the safest, carry your own charger and USB cable, and use an electrical outlet,” the post recommended.
A few days later, the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) also issued a similar warning to those intending to use such facilities.
According to a survey conducted by security company Authentic8, about 80% of users of public charging ports do not care whether they ensure the safety of their information.
Drew Paik, an expert at Authentic8, said that if you connect technology devices to public USB ports, they are susceptible to being hacked. Hackers can gain access to all user information, from messages and images to bank passwords.
Since 2021, the US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has also issued a warning that charging your phone at public charging points carries a high risk of cyber attacks and personal information theft.
Even the origin and source of charging cables pose security risks. In 2022, many users were concerned about the appearance of lightning cables that allowed hackers to infiltrate their devices. These cables, named O.MG, were designed with hidden built-in chips, enabling hackers to remotely connect to computers.
Why should you not charge your phone using public USB ports at airports? Because it carries the risk of losing personal information. (Illustration photo: Istock)
Things to note when charging your phone at airports
In order to protect your own safety and technology devices when you need to charge your phone at airports or other public places, you should note the following:
Use USB cables that only have charging functions
For maximum safety, you should use USB cables that only have the charging function. They have a dongle that plugs into the USB port before connecting to your phone charger cable. The data pins inside the dongle are disconnected so that only normal power transmission can occur through the connection port.
If you use Android devices, you can buy charging-only cables that function similarly to a dongle. Currently, there is no information about lightning to USB charging ports for iPhones that only have charging functions. However, the Plugable adapter can work with both iPhone and Android phones.
Use personal chargers
In addition to public USB charging ports, airports also provide standard AC power outlets. To ensure safety and achieve maximum charging speed, plug your phone charger directly into the AC outlet.
Use power banks
Instead of searching for public USB charging ports, you can get yourself a power bank, carry it with you whenever you go out, and plug it in whenever you want. By using a power bank, you can proactively control your own time and location for charging, instead of having to go to places with charging facilities. Your phone will also always have sufficient power supply.
Source: VTC news
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