Tech
Risks and Security Measures of Shared Charging Areas
Shared charging stations offer a practical solution for charging our devices, but they also carry some risks. In this content, you will explore these risks and learn the precautions you should take to enhance your safety.
Risks and Precautions of Shared Charging Areas
As the role of mobile devices in our daily lives increases, the charging needs of these devices become an important issue. This situation particularly raises the demand for shared charging areas in public places such as airports, hotels, restaurants, and shopping malls. However, these practical solutions come with some serious risks.
Mehmet Uçurum, Chairman of Mcdodo Turkey, draws attention to the dangers of shared charging usage. He emphasizes that you should always carry your own adapters and power banks with you. The appeal of shared charging stations has increased even more with the widespread of such services. However, these points can become targets for malicious individuals.
Uçurum states that public USB ports can be used by hackers to install malware and spyware. “There have also been warnings from the Federal Communications Commission regarding this issue. Such software can access the contents of your phone, steal your passwords, commit identity theft, and even transfer money from your bank accounts, and your information can be sold on the Dark Web” he warns.
Uçurum emphasizes that such threats can even be loaded onto public USB charging stations. “There is no way to determine whether any USB port is safe. Simply connecting your phone to a shared USB port increases the risk of transferring your data directly to a device. Today, in an environment where we do not know who has access to or can access our photo gallery, contacts, note pad, video camera, microphone, SMS, WhatsApp, and other social media applications, we must stay safe,” he adds.
Mehmet Uçurum states that the most effective way to protect against juice jacking attacks is not to charge devices in public areas and to use your own adapter or power bank. “Today, there are lightweight, high-capacity, and fast-charging devices available. These devices do not take up much space in your bag and charge your device quickly. With these options available, there is no need to take the risk of shared charging” he says.