How to Safely Use Airport Charging Stations

Connect a USB data blocker or use a power-only USB cable to block access to your data

By
Thomas James Wilton
Tom Wilton
Thomas James Wilton
Writer
    Tom Wilton has been a freelance filmmaker and writer since 2012. His work has appeared in Video&Filmmaker, The Big Issue, and others. He's also been a consultant for CBS.
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    Updated on March 1, 2024

    What to Know

    • Attackers can pass malware to your phone by installing modified USB sockets into an airport's charging station.
    • Connect a USB data blocker to ensure that the USB cable only charges your device and blocks access to your data.
    • Use a power-only USB cable so that there's no way malware can reach your device.

    This article explains how to safely charge your phone at an airport charging station.

    Yes, You Can Safely Use Airport USB Charging Stations

    Even though the threat of data theft is real, you shouldn't let it deter you from using USB charging stations. With a barrier between your charger and the airport charging station, you can prevent data theft and malware attacks.

    There are some smart moves to make when using these stations so your devices stay safe and secure.

    Use a USB Data Blocker

    USB cables have two functions. USB cables transfer data between devices and charge connected devices. You can connect a USB data blocker like the Juice-Jack Defender or the PortaPow USB Data Blocker to ensure that the USB cable only charges your device and doesn't allow access to your data.

    Use a Power-Only USB Cable

    If you don't need to charge multiple devices with different connections, it may be more convenient to carry a power-only USB cable.

    Power-only USB cables look identical to regular USB cables. However, these cables only allow the transfer of power from the charging station to your phone. With no data connection between your device and the charging station, there's no path for malware to reach your device.

    Traveler charging phone in airport.
    Towfiqu Ahamed / Getty Images

    Why You Should Use a USB Data Blocker or Power-Only Cable in Airport Charging Stations

    Attackers can pass malware to a connected device (your phone) by installing modified USB sockets into an airport's charging station. The malicious code in these USB sockets can transmit data from your phone to the attacker's remote servers, even after your smartphone is disconnected from the USB socket.

    When you connect a USB data blocker or power-only USB cable, the only thing that passes between the airport charging station and your phone is power.

    FAQ
    • Which public phone charging stations safe?

      No public phone charging stations are safe from hackers according to the FBI. Avoid them, or use a USB data blocker with a power-only cable.

    • Where can I find phone charging stations?

      Public phone charging stations can be found in hotels, hospitals, theme parks, restaurants, cafes, and shopping centers.

    • How do solar cell phone charging stations work?

      Solar phone chargers are connected to solar panels that collect sunlight and convert it to electricity. There are portable solar chargers for emergency situations.

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