It happens to the best of us – the phone battery dies while waiting at the airport. Without the phone to keep occupied, the time until boarding seems to take forever. However, in these modern times, public places like airports, hotels, museums and shopping centers do offer free charging stations. While this is well and good, the FCC has warned the public about the dangers of using public USB charging stations amid a new cyber threat. Read on to find out how to keep your phone safe from “juice jacking” while traveling.

Beware of ‘juice jacking’ from public USB charging stations

Picture sitting at the airport waiting to board your flight, but your phone battery dies. How can you conveniently charge your phone to make that flight? Fortunately, in these modern times, airports, hotels, museums and shopping malls offer free USB charging stations.

However, is it safe to use these convenient public USB charging stations? Is there anything you need to do to protect yourself? According to federal officials including the FBI and FCC, travelers should beware of using free USB charging stations amid an alarming threat. In fact, the FCC has dubbed the latest phone hacking trend “juice jacking” and has outlined warnings to the public about the threat.

Reportedly, cybercriminals are able to access devices connected to public charging stations. The FBI recently tweeted warning, “Avoid using free charging stations in airports, hotels, or shopping centers. Bad actors have figured out ways to use public USB ports to introduce malware and monitoring software onto devices. Carry your own charger and USB cord and use an electrical outlet instead.”

According to the FCC, hackers are easily able to access phones and tablets while they are connected to public USB stations. In fact, they load malware into public stations, which allows them to access and export personal data and passwords. This can be done by transmitting the malware directly from the port, or by using a compromised charging cable. Moreover, they can even lock you out of your own device.

Reportedly, corrupt cables are being intentionally left at charging stations, or being given away as “promotional gifts.”

Should travelers be concerned about ‘juice jacking?’

When traveling, we already have enough to worry about, what with tourist scams, pickpockets and petty crime. However, should we really have to be concerned about a simple need to charge our phones? Does this new warning tell us to be concerned about cybercrimes and data theft?

The official answer to these questions is “yes.” With the increase in this type of crime, “juice jacking” has the potential to seriously impact travelers. However, there are some steps travelers can take to protect themselves and their personal data.

Protecting yourself and your device

The FCC has offered some helpful tips in order to avoid the dangers of “juice jacking.” The simple precautions include the following:

• Avoid public USB charging stations – use AC power outlets instead.
• Ensure you always carry charging tools when traveling, including car charges, AC charges and your own USB cables.
• Invest in a portable charger or external battery to keep your phone charged.

However, even if we take all these precautions, sometimes there is no other choice than to use public USB charging stations. If this is the case, there are ways to protect your phone and data.

When using a USB charging station, you are sometimes given the prompt on your phone or tablet to “share data” or “charge only.” Ensure you always select “charge only.”

Moreover, another tool is available to prevent “juice jacking.” You can purchase a charging-only cable that will prevent your phone or tablet from sending or receiving data while charging. However, you should ensure you purchase this from a reputable source.

If the worst comes to the worst, you might find yourself reverting to old-school travel hacks until you can safely charge your phone. Read a magazine to pass the time instead of your phone, ask a local for directions, or pay with cash. Relax with a coffee at a pavement café, watching the people go by.