ABU DHABI, Nov 24: The UAE Cyber Security Council has warned mobile users to exercise caution when using public charging stations, citing the growing threat of “juice-jacking” attacks that can expose personal data to hackers.

The authority said some charging banks, commonly found in airports, train stations, and shopping centres, may contain malicious software or hidden systems capable of accessing personal information. In an advisory to state news agency WAM, the council noted that 79 percent of travellers may be unknowingly putting their devices at risk by charging at unsecured public stations.

Juice-jacking is a cyberattack method in which hackers exploit public USB ports to steal data or install malware on smartphones and tablets. The UAE alert comes ahead of the busy travel period, including celebrations for the 54th National Day and the school winter break from December 8 to January 4.

The council highlighted warning signs of potential attacks, including rapid battery drain, slow app performance, repeated system crashes, and unfamiliar symbols or messages appearing on devices.

Preventive measures advised by the council include carrying a personal charger or power bank, avoiding public charging points, rejecting any data-transfer prompts while charging, and enabling two-factor authentication. Users are also urged to utilize biometric login features and review app permissions to prevent unauthorized access to messages, contacts, or photos.

The council also stressed verifying the safety of installed applications, warning that malicious software could facilitate financial fraud or theft of bank and online account information.

Global authorities have previously cautioned against public charging ports. In 2023, the FBI warned that cybercriminals had found ways to infect devices via free public USB ports, while the U.S. Transportation Security Administration advised travellers to use personal power bricks instead of airport USB stations.