Heading abroad and low on battery? Experts are warning tourists not to fall for one common holiday mistake – or risk handing hackers access to everything from their messages to their camera roll
Whether it’s a USB port in a hotel lobby or a charger offered by a stranger, plugging into the wrong source could see your device hit by “juice jacking” – a cyberattack that allows malware to be installed on your phone without you realising.
William Tan, a tech expert at software provider DSTGAMING, says people need to be more cautious about where and how they’re charging up while on holiday.
“A charger might look completely normal, but it can be modified to install malware on your phone or laptop without you noticing,” he explains. “Once that happens, hackers can steal passwords, read your messages, access your photos and, in some cases, even lock you out of your own device.”
READ MORE: ‘Sneaky reason’ your summer flights keep getting pricier and how to stop it
And it’s not just dodgy cafés you need to be wary of – even USB ports in airports, coaches, cruise ships and hotel business centres can be quietly tampered with.
Tan adds: “The problem is that malware can work in the background while you’re blissfully unaware, sipping sangria by the pool. It’s far safer to bring your own charger from home and stick to plugging into proper wall sockets. Avoid using any free promotional chargers too, they’re cheap to brand and just as easy to compromise.”
So what should you avoid?
Those handy public charging stations might save your battery, but they can also open the door for data theft. William compares it to “leaving your unlocked suitcase in the middle of a busy street – someone will eventually take a look inside.” He suggests packing a decent power bank and using your own plug and cable set with a proper socket.
Even borrowing someone’s cable could be a risk. ‘Weaponised’ chargers are designed to look and work exactly like the real thing, but can be loaded with hidden spyware.
William calls them “a Trojan horse in cable form,” and advises packing a spare cable and investing in a USB data blocker – a small gadget that sits between your charger and device to stop sneaky data transfers. Using hotel computers is another red flag. Guests come and go, but viruses and spyware can linger on shared systems.
“Just because the computer is in a swish hotel lobby doesn’t mean it’s safe,” William warns. “If you need power, find an actual plug socket or head back to your room for your adapter.”
And while it’s not a charging issue, Tan says leaving your Bluetooth or AirDrop switched on in busy tourist areas is another easy way to get targeted.
“With Bluetooth or AirDrop open, your phone is broadcasting ‘I’m here’ to everyone nearby,” he says. “Hackers within range can try to connect without your knowledge, send you malicious files, or attempt to access your device. Switch off Bluetooth and AirDrop when you’re not using them and never accept files from strangers, no matter how curious you are.”
And if you’re travelling with children, be extra careful – these rules are just as important for their devices. Ensure their Bluetooth is off at all times, William explained. , “Make sure their Bluetooth is off, they know not to accept random chargers, and consider adding parental controls before you travel.”