More often than not holidaymakers take the opportunity to charge up their phones and devices at the airport ahead of their flight. But passengers have been warned that they could be putting themselves at risk of cyber attacks.

Many airports provide USB charging points where you can connect your device to charge it and they’re often popular when travelling as they don’t require you to use an adapter, only a USB cable. However, these USB ports can be tampered with by cybercriminals enabling them to hack into your device, a technology retail expert has warned.

In 2023 the FBI even advised travellers not to use public USB parts due to “malware and monitoring software” which could be spread onto your device. In a post on X, FBI Denver said: “Avoid using free charging stations in airports, hotels or shopping centres. Bad actors have figured out ways to use public USB ports to introduce malware and monitoring software onto devices. Carry your own charger and USB cord and use an electrical outlet instead.”

Ahead of the summer holiday getaway a fresh warning has been issued to travellers. USB charging stations can be a “hotspot for cyber threats”, according to Emily Stallings, co-founder of tech retailer Casely. Attackers can exploit weaknesses in the charging ports to sneak malware onto people's devices.

If a device gets infected, it could end up leaking sensitive information or even stop working properly. It means sensitive information, including personal emails and financial data could be obtained by criminals, leading to “identity theft and financial loss” as a result of using the USB ports.

But there are ways to help you avoid a cyber attack. Here are some tips to follow when charging your device while travelling:

• Use a personal USB adapter and power banks
• Avoid sharing charging stations
• Enable security features such as USB Restricted Mode
• Update your device software
• Avoid making sensitive transactions on public networks
• Stay vigilant for suspicious activity

Emily said: "As travelers, our devices are our lifelines, but they're also prime targets for cyber threats, especially in public spaces like airports. By staying proactive and vigilant about device security while charging, we can protect our digital identities and ensure a worry-free journey."