The UAE Cyber Security Council has issued a warning about the growing dangers of using untrusted public charging ports, revealing that 79% of travelers are unknowingly putting their personal data at risk when charging their devices at unsecured public stations, as reported by ANI.
The council explained that some public charging ports may contain malicious software or hidden systems capable of accessing personal data through so-called juice jacking attacks, which use media or image transfer protocols that are automatically activated when a device is connected.
In a statement to the Emirates News Agency (WAM), the Cyber Security Council warned that neglecting safeguards and using unsecured charging ports could lead to the theft of data and passwords or even the installation of malicious software on mobile phones without the user’s knowledge.
He added that 68 percent of companies were exposed to attacks originating from untrusted charging ports, resulting in data breaches and compromising their digital infrastructure.
The board cited several warning signs that may indicate a device has been exposed to such attacks, including rapid battery drain, slow application performance, repeated system crashes, and the appearance of unfamiliar symbols or messages on the device.
The Cyber Security Council issued a set of precautionary guidelines, which include carrying a personal charger when traveling, avoiding public charging stations as much as possible, and refusing any requests to transfer data while charging.
The council also recommended enabling two-factor authentication using biometric login features such as fingerprint or facial recognition and checking app permissions to ensure no unnecessary access to photos, messages or contacts is granted.
He stressed the importance of verifying the security of installed apps, noting that some apps may contain malicious software that allows hackers to steal personal information or spy on users, with risks extending to financial fraud and the theft of bank card and online account information.
The Cyber Security Council recently launched a week-long awareness campaign under the Cyber Pulse initiative, which aims to promote safe digital practices and provide guidance to combat various cyber threats.
This campaign is part of the UAE’s broader efforts to create a secure cyberspace that aligns with the rapid digital transformation, strengthens trust in the digital ecosystem and raises cyber security awareness across all segments of society to ensure user safety and privacy.
