KIM KOMANDO

Charging and travel: 5 malware mistakes most people make

Jan 14, 2024, 5:00 AM

Man sits in airport chair as he charges his cellphone....

When phone batteries hit the low point during travels, follow these rules to stay malware-free. (Pexels Photos)

(Pexels Photos)

The airports? Crazy. The weather? Unpredictable. Travel is tough enough … and then your phone dies. Those charging kiosks in airports, hotels and malls can be big timesavers. Their owners promise they’re safe, but the FBI disagrees — and so do I.

Welcome to the newest phase of juice jacking. The phenomenon has been around for more than ten years. Hackers use public phone charging to upload malware to your devices. Then, they ransom your phone or steal your passwords.

Have no fear. When your batteries hit the low point in your travels, follow these rules to keep you and your family malware-free.

Join 500,000 people who get tech smarts with my free newsletter. Sign up now so you’ll never miss an issue.

Don’t use public USBs – just outlets

Fortunately, actual cases of juice-jacking are rare or nonexistent in America. But they can happen through USB connections. How can you avoid malware? If a kiosk has actual power outlets to charge your phone with your adapter, there’s no fear of hacking.

For 100% protection, stay away from USB ports of any size, especially when traveling overseas. While USB standards are international, foreign hackers can target popular hotel room USB ports to steal data, even if you’re not using a kiosk.

Don’t use a cable at all

Keep up with the Komandonians and use wireless charging pads instead of USBs when possible. More and more public kiosks are using wireless charging. This method doesn’t exchange data directly with your phone, so it’s virus-free by default.

Don’t use a data cable

If you’re desperate for juice, use a USB connection safely with the right cable. Pack a charge-only cable for your trip. They’re cheap, compact and don’t allow for data transfer. Come to think of it, that’s more of a “do.”

Don’t choose the ‘trust’ option

Newer phones are smart enough to be wary of an unknown USB connection. (Some humans could learn a thing or two). They’ll ask if you want to “trust this device” or “share data.”

Always say “No” to these options when traveling! Both allow data communication between your phone and the charging hardware, which may have implanted malware. Choose the “charge-only option.” If that’s not available, keep walkin’.

FYI: This works with most phones that are a few years old or newer. It may not offer the choice if you have a particularly old phone.

Don’t forget your external battery

They’re slim and durable, and you’ll never regret packing them. Drop your external battery into a suitcase side pocket or laptop bag and keep it close. Remember to charge it back up when you stop at a hotel or airport, and you’re good to go.

Going on a big trip?

I really, really suggest checking out my recommendations for international charging adapters before you leave, as well as my travel prep cheat sheet. Now you’re ready to travel in style and stay safe!

Keep your tech-know going

My popular podcast is called “Kim Komando Today.” It’s a solid 30 minutes of tech news, tips, and callers with tech questions like you from all over the country. Search for it wherever you get your podcasts. For your convenience, hit the link below for a recent episode.

PODCAST PICK: $661K bank scam, malware targeting kids & FB Marketplace pro tips

Plus, I chat with Professor Scott Galloway about his views that Gen Z should be educated on mating dynamics — especially with sexbots on the rise. I’ll also show you how to spot phony retail sites, introduce a woman who turns her dating app matches into music and introduce you to ChatGPT Plus’s file analysis tool.

Check out my podcast “Kim Komando Today” on Apple, Google Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast player.

Listen to the podcast here or wherever you get your podcasts. Just search for my last name, “Komando.”

Sound like a tech pro, even if you’re not! Award-winning popular host Kim Komando is your secret weapon. Listen on 425+ radio stations or get the podcast. And join over 400,000 people who get her free 5-minute daily email newsletter.

Kim Komando

smart speaker Amazon Echo technology Kim Komando...

Kim Komando

Set up your smart speaker for emergencies

Got a smart speaker in your residence? Follow these technology tips and tricks Kim Komando has planned in case of emergencies.

3 days ago

Kim Komando has tips on avoiding pig-butchering scams....

Kim Komando

The clever tech powering a wave of pig-butchering scams

Pig-butchering scams are getting more sophisticated — and more costly — by the day. Kim Komando has tips to help you avoid them.

10 days ago

Biometric data details in 2024 tech users should know...

Kim Komando

Biometric data: Is it safe to hand it over to any company that asks?

Various technology companies have been using your face data and fingerprint for security for years. But how does this type of biometric data work?

17 days ago

Tech tricks and tips everyone should know moving into 2025...

Kim Komando

10 tech tips and tricks everyone should know

Need some tech tips and tricks? Kim Komando has channeled her frustrations into easy ways to make your tech less annoying, too.

24 days ago

(Pexels File Photo)...

Kim Komando

Make these changes now to protect your kids online

With increasing pressure from Washington, D.C., and outraged parents, social media platforms are finally starting to act.

1 month ago

spam emails technology safety cybersecurity...

Kim Komando

The $40K scam that almost got me + 3 more spreading now

Eight billion spam emails go out in the U.S. every day. Kim Komando, who calls herself a digital goddess, shares tips you can use to avoid them.

1 month ago

Sponsored Articles

...

Day & Night Air Conditioning, Heating and Plumbing

Why a Heating Tune-Up is Essential Before Winter

PHOENIX, AZ — With cooler weather on the horizon, making sure your heating system is prepped and ready can make all the difference in staying comfortable this winter.

...

Day & Night Air Conditioning, Heating and Plumbing

It wouldn’t hurt to get your AC checked after Arizona’s excruciating heat wave

A well-maintained air conditioning unit is vital to living a comfortable life inside, away from triple-digit heat in Arizona.

...

Sanderson Ford

3 storylines to get you revved up for the 2024 Arizona Cardinals

Arizona Cardinals training camp is just a couple weeks away starting on July 25, and Sanderson Ford is revved up and ready to go.

Charging and travel: 5 malware mistakes most people make