In a recent report, the FBI warned about the dangers of using public USB charging stations, as cybercriminals have found ways to infect phones with malware through these stations. To protect your personal data from being stolen, it is recommended to carry your own chargers and USB cords and use an electrical outlet instead of public charging stations.

The theft of personal information such as passwords, social security numbers, and bank account details can lead to severe consequences, including unauthorized purchases and account wipeouts. To combat this threat, Android 15 introduced Lockdown mode to prevent data transfers while charging through the USB port.

Here’s how you can enable Lockdown mode on your Android device:
– Press the Power and Volume up buttons simultaneously to access the pop-up screen.
– Tap on Lockdown to block data transfers and enhance security while charging your phone.

Similarly, iPhone models from the iPhone 15 line onwards offer a feature that allows users to disable data transfer through the USB-C or Lightning port while charging. By turning off the Accessories toggle in Settings > Face ID & Passcode or Touch ID & Passcode, you can prevent unauthorized access to your device’s data.

While it’s best to avoid public charging stations altogether and carry a fully charged power bank with you, we understand that sometimes it’s not possible. In such cases, make sure to activate Lockdown mode on Android devices or disable data transfer on iPhones before connecting to a public charging station. By taking these precautions, you can safeguard your personal information from potential cyber threats.