Insights on the article “Public USB Charging Stations – Safe or Not?”

A public USB charging station is a kiosk where you can charge your phones or any gadgets anytime. It is usually found in public places like airports, schools, bus terminals and convenience stores. It can be a lifesaver when your phone is low on battery and you forgot to charger. The convenience of a public USB charging station is enticing to mobile phone users and also to hackers. Hackers can use these charging stations to access your phone. This process is possible because by connecting your phone with the use of a USB cable and device that you connect it with can easily access your device. A USB cable has two functions, first as a way of transferring files and other is for charging. When you connect the cable to an unknown port like a USB charging stations you are subjecting your phone to a threat and anyone can access your phone. Once they accessed your phone they can easily use your files, data and other personal information against you. This is the reason why public charging stations are dangerous.
In order to avoid this danger, it is better if you make sure that your phone is fully charge before you live your house. You could also use a power bank. If you really don’t have any choice but use the public charging stations, then it is better if you use a USB cable that is designated for charging only or change the options in your phone to charging only.
I think Public Charging Stations were created for the convenience of the consumers, however we can’t always deny the existence of bad people like hackers who take advantages of this convenience. It is therefore important to take safety precautions when using these charging stations. Putting up warning signs in public areas can also be a good move. This would help spread awareness to the general public about the dangers of using a public charging stations. The warning sign should contain information about the dangers of public charging stations and how users can avoid these dangers. They should tip on how to avoid it. It is also good if public places who have charging stations would set up a surveillance camera next to the charging station in order to monitor the people using it and in case of emergency they can easily spot the suspect. Protecting your phone with a password so that whenever your phone is connected to an unknown device it would first ask your permission to allow this device to access your phone.
I would probably use a public charging station especially if it’s an emergency. But if it is not an emergency there is no reason for me to use considering the danger that it carries. I also always make sure that my phone is fully charge before I leave the house. And if my phone is really running low, I can always turn it to a power saving mode in order to save energy and battery.