Is it safe to charge your phone at free charging stations in airports and malls?

IT IS UNSAFE; VIA A STANDARD USB CORD, BAD ACTORS CAN STEAL YOUR DATA OR INFECT YOUR DEVICE WITH MALWARE.

This type of cyberattack is called Juice Jacking: a public USB port is used not just for power delivery, but also for data transfer. Through an unsecured cord, a spy module at the station can secretly copy photos, chats, and passwords.

The Catch with Open USB Ports

A standard USB cable consists of four wires: two for power and two for data transfer. When a smartphone connects to a modified port at a public station, a hidden mini-computer inside requests access to the file system under the guise of a regular PC pairing.

How to Charge Your Phone Without Hacking Risks

Use your own wall charger and a standard 220V electrical outlet.
Carry your own personal portable power bank.
When connecting to an unfamiliar port, make sure to select "Charge Only" mode on your smartphone screen.
Use a specialized adapter ("USB data blocker") that physically blocks data transfer pins.