Data Theft Threat Rising: 79% of Travellers Unsafe at Public Charging Points, UAE Council Reports

According to the UAE Cyber Security Council, 79% of all travelers face the risk of their information being compromised when they utilize an unsafe public charging port. This means that public charging ports can be located in airports, shopping malls, hotels, and train stations.

What’s the Risk?​

The UAE Cyber Security Council explains that hackers can utilize those ports to access information and data from your mobile phone. When they do this, it is called "juice jacking."

The council alerts that when people use their devices or charge their phones at airports or shopping areas, it may provide hackers the opportunity to install malware or access personal data. People often believe there phone will be safe when they place it at a public USB charging station.

The report states that many organizations have experienced cyber attacks related to employees who have used an unsafe or unsecured charging port while traveling.

Warning Signs to Watch For​

It is important to look out for warning signs, such as:

• A rapidly draining battery
• Phone that is slowing down
• App that is crashing
• Strange error messages

All of these may mean someone accessed your phone.

What You Can Do to Protect Yourself​

For safety measures, the council recommends:

• Always carry the charger with you
• Bring your own power bank
• Avoid a public USB charging port after traveling, or using it at a mall
• Turn on your two factor authentication on your phone
• Utilize face or fingerprint unlock
• Check the permissions to your apps regularly

Long-Term Defense: Stay Aware​

The UAE Cyber Security Council has introduced a weekly campaign called “Cyber Pulse” to inform the public about safe online practices.

The bottom line: public USB charging ports are dangerous and it is always safer to charge your phone using your charger. This one small habit can protect your private and phone security.