Four Ways to Use Public Charging Stations Safely

Whether you are at a coffeeshop, hotel lobby, convention center, waiting at an airport, or riding on a plane, a rideshare or taxi, train, or bus, there are often free USB ports available to charge your electronic devices. Is there risk of your information being stolen or malware being installed? Yes!  Even with paid fast charging kiosks. It is not just using a public WIFI that should be used with caution, but also using a public charging stations.

The danger is that public USB ports carry both power and data. By plugging your personal device in, it’s like plugging into a computer system. If that system has been hacked, your personal information such as passwords, banking details, messages, and photos could be at risk. Here are four ways to charge safely to protect your identity, starting with the most safe.

1. Use a Portable Power Bank. It can be peace of mind knowing no matter where you are, if you need to recharge you have a backup battery. It can keep you mobile while your phone is charging (e.g. Anker, Mophie) and you won’t need to plug your device into a public port. You can plug in your power bank to recharge it, if needed at no risk.
2. Invest in a USB Data Blocker. Most plug into the USB port directly and are without the pins that communicates data, and you plug in your charging cord into it. Some recommended brands are PortaPow, (it’s a bright red making it easier not to lose), USLYT Data Blocker, EDEC OffGrid, USB Defender Data Blocker, SynchStop, Juice-Jack Defender, or JSAUX. They start at $10 for 2.
3.  Use your own electrical outlet wall adapter. Carry your own electrical outlet plug-in and charging cable. It is much safer using a regular electrical outlet than a public USB port. The problem with relying on this is that public places have few, if any conveniently accessible electrical outlets to use.
4.  Enable “Charge Only” mode on your device. Files will not be able to transfer if this is activated. The downside to this is you will not be able to use your phone while it is in this mode.

The convenience of public charging stations comes with potential risks, especially as cybercriminals find creative new ways to exploit everyday technology. With a few simple strategies, you can avoid plugging directly into public USB ports—so can charge when away from home confidently, knowing your device and data are protected.

Let your unfailing love be with us, Lord, even as we put our hope in You. – Psalm 33:22

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