The UAE Cyber Security Council has issued an urgent warning for all travellers about the hidden dangers lurking in public charging stations. According to their latest findings, a staggering 79% of travellers unknowingly expose their personal information when charging devices at unsecured public ports.
What is Juice Jacking and How Does It Work?
The Council explained that many public charging ports contain malicious software or hidden systems designed to steal personal data through what security experts call juice jacking attacks. These attacks exploit media and image transfer protocols that activate automatically when devices connect to charging stations.
In official statements to the Emirates News Agency (WAM), the Cyber Security Council emphasized that neglecting basic protective measures could lead to severe consequences. Data and password theft become real possibilities, and hackers can even install malicious software on mobile phones without users ever realizing it.
Alarming Statistics and Warning Signs
The scale of this cybersecurity threat extends beyond individual users. The Council revealed that 68% of companies have experienced attacks originating from untrusted charging ports, resulting in significant data breaches and compromises to their digital infrastructure.
Users should watch for several warning signs that might indicate their device has been compromised:
- Rapid battery drain despite charging
- Noticeably slow application performance
- Repeated system crashes and freezes
- Appearance of unfamiliar symbols or messages
Essential Protective Measures for Safe Charging
The Cyber Security Council provided comprehensive guidelines to help users protect their devices and data:
Always carry a personal charger while travelling and avoid public charging stations whenever possible. The Council specifically advised rejecting any data transfer requests that appear during charging sessions.
Additional security measures include enabling two-factor authentication, using biometric login features such as fingerprint or facial recognition, and regularly reviewing app permissions. Users should ensure no unnecessary access is granted to sensitive information like photos, messages, or contacts.
The Council also stressed the importance of verifying the safety of installed applications, noting that some apps may contain malicious software enabling hackers to steal personal data or spy on users. These risks can extend to financial fraud and the theft of bank card and online account information.
As part of broader cybersecurity efforts, the UAE Cyber Security Council has recently launched a weekly awareness campaign under the Cyber Pulse initiative. This program is designed to promote safe digital practices and provide practical guidance on countering various cyber threats.
This campaign represents the UAE's comprehensive approach to creating a secure cyberspace that aligns with rapid digital transformation. The initiative aims to strengthen trust in the digital ecosystem and raise cybersecurity awareness across all segments of society to ensure user safety and privacy.
