Travelers, heads up! This week, the UAE Cyber Security Council warned that charging your phone at unsecured public USB ports could put your personal data at risk. Known as "juice jacking," these hidden attacks can sneak in malware or steal your info the moment you plug in.
According to the Council, a whopping 79% of travelers using untrusted charging stations face potential data breaches. Yikes! Hackers can exploit media-transfer protocols to grab your photos, passwords, or even install malware without you noticing.
Here are the red flags your phone might be hacked after a juice jacking attack:
- Rapid battery drain 🔋
- Sluggish apps or frozen screens 🐢
- Random crashes or reboots 💥
- Unfamiliar icons or strange messages 📱❓
Stay safe on your next trip with these pro tips:
- Bring your own charger and power bank 🔌
- Use a USB data blocker or "charge-only" cable 🚫📡
- Charge via a wall socket with your adapter ⚡️
- Enable "USB restricted mode" or similar security settings 🔒
- Keep your software and antivirus updated 🔄
Don't let hackers crash your travel vibes! With a few simple precautions, you can keep your gadgets—and data—secure on the go. Travel smart, stay connected, and keep exploring worry-free! ✈️🌏
Reference(s):
UAE warns travelers of rising data-theft risks at public chargers
cgtn.com
