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How to Safely Use Airport Charging Stations

Public charging can be risky, but there are ways to keep your data secure

By Thomas James 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. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on September 11, 2020 Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email Travel Tech Digital Cameras & Photography

What to Know

Attackers can pass malware to a connected device (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 doesn't allow access to your data.Use a power-only USB cable, which transfers only power from the charge station to your phone, so there's no way malware can reach your device. This article explains how to safely charge your phone at an airport charging station.

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. 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.

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. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire What to Do When Your Car's USB Port Won't Charge Your Phone How to Fix It When a PS5 Controller Won't Sync USB-C vs. USB 3: What's the Difference? USB4: Everything You Need to Know How to Connect an Android to a PC USB (Universal Serial Bus): Everything You Need to Know How to Connect Your Phone to Your TV With USB How to Use Samsung Kies to Transfer Files & More The 4 Best Charging Stations of 2022 Eco Bamboo Multi-Device Charging Station Review: Stylish Power How to Install Magisk and Safely Root Your Android The 6 Best Fast Chargers of 2022 How to Set up USB Tethering on Windows 10 Intelli PowerHub Wireless Charging Station Review How to Charge Your GoPro Camera and Batteries How to Charge Your Phone or Laptop on a Plane Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies