Why Avoid Public Phone Charging Stations At Airport

Why Avoid Public Phone Charging Stations at Airport. Portable Charger. Which public charging station is best?
Portable Charger. Which public charging station is best?

Hackers can load malware into charging stations at place like airports and malls. Allowing them to steal the data of unsuspecting users, experts warn. You need Portable Charger. Why Avoid Public Phone Charging Stations at Airport.

It’s no secret that public Wi-Fi can be sketchy at best. And while it’s convenient to charge your phone at the nearest port, it’s not necessarily safe.

Free public phone chargers can be used to secretly install malware on your device. Malware that can eat up your data in a process called “juice jacking.”



What’s juice jacking? Why Avoid Public Phone Charging Stations At Airport

It sounds like tinfoil hat propaganda, but in reality, it’s an underrated but serious security threat. ‘Juice jacking’ was coined back in 2011, and refers to a hack attempt that uses public charging terminals to install malware on your device.

It does so covertly via USB charging port, and it copies your phone’s data, pictures, and email into someone else’s hands.

Related Post: Best Wireless Chargers for iPhone and Android

“All they really need to do is load malware on the USB port.” Explains IBM cybersecurity expert Charles Henderson. It’s unlikely you’ll even know it’s happened until it’s too late.

“There’s really no way to tell,” says Henderson. “You really have to be extremely technologically savvy to detect such an attack.”



 Related Posts:

3 Easy Solutions to Stay Safe In Airports: Why Avoid Public Phone Charging Stations


1. Use a portable charger

The best thing you can do is avoid airport charging terminals altogether. These days it’s not too hard to get your hands on a cheap, reliable portable charger.

It’s a safe, convenient way to keep your phone charged and ready to go without putting your data at risk with a public outlet.


5 Best Portable Phone Chargers: Public Phone Charging Stations At Airport


Anker PowerCore 20,000

It should come as no surprise that Anker holds the highest place on our list. And the PowerCore 20,000 just might be the best they’ve got.

Why Avoid Public Phone Charging Stations at Airport . Anker USB C Power Bank, PowerCore Essential 20000 PD (18W) Power Bank, High Cell Capacity 20000mAh Portable Charger Battery Pack for iPhone 12, Samsung (PD Charger Not Included)
Anker USB C Power Bank, PowerCore Essential 20000 PD (18W) Power Bank, High Cell Capacity 20000mAh Portable Charger Battery Pack for iPhone 12, Samsung (PD Charger Not Included)

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To start off, the 20,100mAh battery inside is huge. Meaning this will cap out your phone’s battery multiple times before needing a recharge.

The charger totally refueled a Galaxy S8 in just 95 minutes, and did the same for an iPhone 8 Plus in 98 minutes.



Not only that, but the battery was large enough to do so up to seven times. And the dual-port functionality allows for two devices to be charged at once.

While it’s one of the more expensive models. You’re definitely getting the most bang for your buck with the Anker PowerCore 20,000.

 Aibocn 8000mAh Portable Charger: Public Phone Charging Stations

If you’re looking for ease of use, flexibility, and fast charging all at the lowest cost possible. The Aibocn is your number one choice.

Why Avoid Public Phone Charging Stations at Airport . Aibocn 10000mAh Portable Power Bank External Battery Charger with Flashlight for iPhone iPad Samsung Galaxy Compatible with Smartphones Tablet - Red
Aibocn 10000mAh Portable Power Bank External Battery Charger with Flashlight for iPhone iPad Samsung Galaxy Compatible with Smartphones Tablet – Red

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For under $20, the Aibocn 8000mAh gets the job done efficiently and consistently. The Venus power bank supports over three times faster charge speeds (for iPhone) than the normal 1.0A input backup charger, and supports Apple, Google, and Samsung products.

Like the Tzumi (but cheaper), the Aibocn will also automatically shut down if a short-circuit or overload output occurs during charging.



Anker PowerCore 10000 Portable Charger – Public Phone Charging Stations

One of the smallest and lightest models on the market, Anker delivers their usual great quality with this more portable device. Public Phone Charging Stations

Why Avoid Public Phone Charging Stations at Airport . Anker USB-C Port Charge, 18W PowerCore Slim 10000 PD, 10000mAh Power Delivery Power Bank for iPhone 12/Mini/X/XR/XS Max, S10, Pixel 3/3XL, iPad Pro 2018, and More (Charger Not Included)
Anker USB-C Portable Charger, 18W PowerCore Slim 10000 PD, 10000mAh Power Delivery Power Bank for iPhone 12/Mini/X/XR/XS Max, S10, Pixel 3/3XL, iPad Pro 2018, and More (Charger Not Included)

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Featuring a compact design. The Anker PowerCore 10000 is perfect for mobility and its 10,000mAh capacity is enough to charge your smartphone several times over.  Enough to power two whole phones with battery still to spare.

Additionally, the PowerCore 10000 is integrated with a MultiProtect safety system to boost its security and reliability even further.

The system boasts a combination of eleven safety features that work together to provide the ultimate protection for your devices and your charger.

If you like the Anker brand (which we do) and want a less expensive model that provides peak power and accessibility on the fly, this is an excellent model.



Tzumi – PocketJuice Endurance 8000

Selling for a third of the price of the AUKEY Power Bank, the Tzumi is also a much lighter option, making it ideal to put in your pocket or toss in your purse before leaving the house.

Buy Portable Charger. Tzumi PocketJuice Endurance - Mini Portable Smartphone and Tablet Battery Pack Charge High-Speed Dual USB Ports - Compatible with iPhone and Android Devices & Includes Micro USB Cable (8000mah)
Tzumi PocketJuice Endurance – Mini Portable Smartphone and Tablet Battery Pack Charger High-Speed Dual USB Ports – Compatible with iPhone and Android Devices & Includes Micro USB Cable (8000mah)

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                   Jumia

Like the AUKEY, the Tzumi is compatible with practically every USB-powered device, meaning your smartphone can stay connected and ready to work while you’re traveling or on the go.

The 8000 mAh lithium-polymer battery pack will even see you through up to around four separate charges for your phone!

Its two ports allow for two devices to be charged simultaneously, and the QuikChip technology regulates power discharge in order to keep your device from overcharging or overheating.

Built with convenience and safety in mind, the Tzumi is high quality at a low price.



 AUKEY Power Bank 26500mAh – Why Avoid Public Phone Charging Stations

This AUKEY Power Bank is a terrific model that’s compatible with a variety of devices, including Nintendo SwitchAndroid phonesiPhone XS (and XS Max), iPhone 8, and pretty much anything you can fit with a standard USB cable – which conveniently comes in the package.

RAVPower 20000mAh PD 3.0 Power Bank QC 3.0 18W USB C External Battery Pack Tri-input and Tri-output Cell Phone Battery for iPhone, Samsung Galaxy and More
RAVPower Portable Charger 20000mAh PD 3.0 Power Bank QC 3.0 18W USB C External Battery Pack Tri-input and Tri-output Cell Phone Charger Battery for iPhone, Samsung Galaxy and More

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This device is four times faster than your conventional charger. But the increased battery size does make it a little heavy. is a little more expensive as a result. It’s also one of the more costly options on our list.

So which charger is the best? Why Avoid Public Phone Charging Stations

While the Anker is our personal favorite, it really comes down to what you’re looking for in your product.

Do you favor heavy and pricey but worth its weight in quality? Or maybe something cheap and lightweight. That you can use on the fly should you forget to charge your phone the night before.

Let us know which charger is your favorite. (or if it’s one we didn’t include in our list) and stay tuned for more gear, gadgetry, and great deals!




2. Use an electrical outlet instead

It should also be noted juice jacking can’t be done unless it’s via USB, so as long as you opt for an electrical outlet instead you’ll be safe.


3. Turn off your phone first: Why Avoid Public Phone Charging Stations

Lastly, if you’re in a situation where you’ve got no choice but to charge with a public USB port, completely powering off the device beforehand will prevent the download and transfer of your data.

Luckily, preventing your phone from being juice jacked is pretty easy. Just remember that any time you use public charging stations or Wi-Fi, your online activity could be at risk. Follow these easy steps, and stay informed!