Juice jacking: Use a USB condom for safer charging at public ports

When your phone runs out of power while you are away from home, public charging stations can be a lifesaver.

However, when you charge your device at public USB ports at airports, malls and on public transport cybercriminals can take advantage to smuggle malware onto your device or to access sensitive data.

Known as juice jacking, they will carry out a direct data transfer using the port or manipulate the device's software.

The safest way to charge your device when out and about is using your own charger and connecting it to an electrical socket instead of a USB port, says Germany's TÜV Süd association, which tests product safety.

Alternatively, you can bring along your own power bank. These external batteries are not only mobile, but also don't transmit any data.

There are also USB data blockers available that prevent unwanted access to your device when using public charging stations. Also known as USB condoms, these small devices, which you plug into your phone before plugging it into the charging port, allow power to flow but block data transfers.