UAE CYBERSECURITY COUNCIL WARNS 79% OF TRAVELLERS VULNERABLE TO DATA THEFT

Mon 24 November 2025:

The UAE Cybersecurity Council has warned that nearly four in five travellers risk exposing their personal data when charging their mobile devices at unsafe public charging points.

In a statement, the council said that using unsecured ports can lead to the theft of data and passwords or the installation of malware on devices without the user’s knowledge.

It explained that some public charging points may contain hidden software capable of accessing personal information through so-called “malicious charging attacks”, which exploit media or image-transfer protocols that activate automatically when a device is plugged in.

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According to the council, 68 per cent of companies have been targeted by cyberattacks originating from compromised charging points, resulting in breaches of corporate data and digital infrastructure. Warning signs that a device may have been compromised include rapid battery drain, slowing apps, frequent system crashes, and the appearance of unfamiliar symbols or messages.

To reduce risks, the council urged travellers to carry personal chargers, avoid public charging stations wherever possible, and reject any data-transfer requests while charging. It also recommended enabling two-step verification, using biometric security features, reviewing app permissions, and ensuring that no unnecessary access is granted to photos, messages, or contacts.

The council further stressed the need to verify the safety of installed applications, noting that some may contain malware capable of stealing personal data or spying on users, with risks extending to financial fraud and the theft of bank card or online account information.

-MEMO

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