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The UAE Cyber Security Council has warned of escalating cybersecurity risks linked to untrusted public charging ports, reporting that 79 per cent of travellers unknowingly expose their personal data when powering their devices at unsecured public stations.
According to the Council, some public charging points may contain malicious software or hidden systems capable of accessing personal information through “juice jacking” attacks. These attacks exploit media or image transfer protocols that activate automatically when a device is connected, allowing hackers to intercept or extract sensitive data.
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In comments to the Emirates News Agency (WAM), the Council said that bypassing protective measures and relying on unsafe charging stations can lead to data and password theft, as well as the covert installation of harmful software on mobile phones.
The risks are not limited to individual users. The Council revealed that 68 percent of companies have faced attacks originating from untrusted charging ports, resulting in data breaches and compromises to their digital infrastructure. This trend underscores the growing operational and financial vulnerabilities organisations face as digital reliance intensifies across sectors.
Warning signs and preventive steps
The Council outlined several warning signs that may indicate a device has been compromised. These include rapid battery drain, sluggish app performance, repeated system crashes and the sudden appearance of unfamiliar symbols or messages.
To mitigate these risks, the Cyber Security Council urged travellers and professionals to carry their own chargers, avoid public charging stations whenever possible and reject any data-transfer requests during charging. Additional guidance includes enabling two-factor authentication, using biometric login features such as fingerprint or facial recognition and reviewing app permissions to ensure no unnecessary access is granted to photos, messages or contacts.
Strengthening public awareness
The council highlighted the importance of verifying the safety of installed applications, noting that some apps may contain malicious software that enables hackers to steal personal data or spy on users. In severe cases, the risks extend to financial fraud and the theft of bank cards and online account information.
To boost national cyber readiness, the Cyber Security Council recently launched a weekly awareness campaign under its Cyber Pulse initiative. The programme aims to improve public understanding of safe digital practices and provide guidance on countering cyber threats. It forms part of broader efforts to build a secure cyberspace that keeps pace with rapid digital transformation, strengthens trust in the digital ecosystem and safeguards user privacy.
