Passengers are warned against using charging stations at airports: hackers may steal your data
Passengers have grown accustomed to using public chargers and outlets in various places like airports, train stations, and cafes. However, there is a risk associated with this convenience that could lead to a cyberattack.
Hackers may exploit these charging devices to gain access to your personal data, including names, passwords, and financial information. In a 34-second video shared on TikTok, a travel expert cautioned her followers about the potential dangers of charging their phones and laptops at public charging stations.
"Don't plug your phone in there, don't charge it there. You'll regret it," she emphasized in the video.
She elaborated on how cybercriminals could utilize malware to compromise your data while your device is being charged.
"Cybercriminals are leveraging USB ports in airports and train stations to pilfer your data," she warned.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) confirms that this threat is real. The FCC website warns that hackers have learned how to download malware to gain access to data that should remain confidential under any circumstances.
An experienced traveler advised using portable chargers to charge your devices at the airport.