IT’S tempting to use the free USB charging ports at airports when your phone is running low on battery.
But passengers are being warned that cyber criminals could be using the USB ports to target unsuspecting travellers and steal their personal details.
Alamy
According to the latest IBM X-Force Threat Intelligence Index, “the transportation industry became the second-most attacked sector in 2018”.
It’s a huge leap up compared to tenth position in 2017.
Caleb Barlow, Vice President of X-Force Threat Intelligence at IBM Security told Forbes that public ports, like those found in airports and other transport hubs, can easily be targeted by criminals.
They’re left out in the open and, as they’re not monitored, they can be easily tampered with.
Hackers can install hidden malware in the ports, which is then downloaded onto your phone when it’s plugged in.
Without you knowing, hackers could steal information stored on your phone, including your personal and bank details.
They could also hack your phone and steal your photos.
Another thing to avoid are cables that are left in USB ports by other travellers.
Mr Barlow says that they could be modified to include an “extra chip” that then installs malware onto your device to allow hackers to gain access.
While it’s always advisable to bring your plug and use mains power, there are devices that would help secure your phone against these threats if you do use public USB ports.
Mr Barlow recommends using something like a Juice-Jack Defender.
The gadget, which costs around £8, lets you charge your phone but stops any data passing through the USB port, which in turn stops any malware from being installed on your device.
It might also be useful to invest in a portable powerpack.
Sun Online Travel previously reported how scammers are using personal details they’ve taken from fake holiday websites to target Brits.
The fraudsters would call their victims and use the information to dupe them booking cheap flights that don’t exist.
