The UAE Cyber Security Council has urged mobile users to avoid public phone charging stations, warning of rising “juice-jacking” attacks that could expose personal and financial data to hackers. In an advisory to state news agency WAM, the council said public charging banks in airports, malls and transport hubs could be compromised with malicious software or hidden systems designed to steal information or install malware. It noted that 79% of travellers may unknowingly put their devices at risk by using unsecured charging points.
The warning comes ahead of the busy travel and holiday season, including the UAE’s 54th National Day celebrations and the school winter break from 8 December 2025 to 4 January 2026. Juice-jacking is a cyberattack method where hackers exploit public USB ports to access data or inject malware into smartphones and tablets. The council highlighted warning signs such as fast battery drain, slow app performance, frequent system crashes, and unusual pop-up symbols or messages.
To stay protected, users are advised to:
- Carry a personal charger or power bank
- Avoid public USB charging points
- Decline any data-transfer prompts while charging
- Enable two-factor authentication and biometric security
- Review app permissions regularly
The council also warned that compromised apps could enable financial fraud and access to bank or online accounts. Similar alerts have been issued globally. In 2023, US authorities including the FBI and TSA warned travellers against using free public USB ports, recommending personal power banks instead.
