Your telephone is running low on power while you are waiting to fly out of an airport.
Then you discover a public USB charging area close by.Then you take a deep breath and sit back, happy to get the power for free.
What could go wrong? Plenty.
In addition to providing an electrical current, phone charging cords can send and receive data. That free USB charging hub at an airport, hotel or any other public place may not only charge your phone.The USB charging hub could be connecting to your phone and copying your contact list, email and text messages, voice mail, photographs and videos. It can also copy passwords, banking information and any other information stored on your phone.
If you want to charge your phone while traveling, you have other choices that do not increase your risks.
Connect your phone only to electrical outlets so data transfer is not possible. It is better to use a distant wall outlet than a nearby USB charging hub.
Carry an extra, fully-charged battery. Having one means you can charge your phone without having to worry about carrying a special cord or finding a power outlet.
If you must use a public USB charging center, be sure to turn off your phone completely.
But it will reduce the chances of it happening, depending on what phone you have.
A. Remember to fully charge your phone before you leave home or work.
B It also could be transferring information to and from the device.
C. The public USB charging hub may even download programs to your phone.
D This may or may not prevent data transfer.
E. You can charge your phone with the extra battery wherever you are.
F. An available outlet may not be as near as a USB charging hub, but the few extra steps may keep you safe.
G. You quickly reach for a charge cord and connect your phone to the charging hub.
