If you must use a free phone-charging station, then you should run a Full Virus Scan on your device immediately after charging your phone. If the station was compromised, then the scan will indicate whether or not your phone was infected with malware. You should generally run frequent virus scans on your Android phone so you catch anything it may have picked up before it causes any damage. Click above to scan your device and SD card for malicious malware.

Read More: How to Use DFNDR’s Security Scan and Full Virus Scan

The Dangers of Free Phone-Charging Stations

If you plug your phone into a hacked outlet, your data would be at risk. When the port has been tampered with by hackers and thieves, these sneaky professionals can take everything. After all, you use your Android phone for everything, so you have a lot of personal information on your device that you need to protect. You shop online with it, you store passwords, you access your bank account and your PayPal or Venmo accounts, and you apply for jobs online. Whatever data goes into it, hackers can steal.

Alternative Option: Use a Portable Battery

Avoid using a public charging station and opt to tote around a lightweight, portable charger instead. If you don’t use one of those portable devices, you are potentially putting your data at risk. You could also be introducing malware or viruses into your system. That’s the last thing you want to do.

First, you’ll need to purchase a portable charging battery. These easy-to-tote batteries come in all sizes. Compare the different models to see which one best suits your needs. They all have something different to offer. Take a look at how long it takes to charge the device, how long it takes to charge your phone, how long it can hold power, how much power it can hold, and if it has other uses (like if it can charge your laptop). Think about how large the item is and if it can be conveniently stored within your laptop bag, backpack, or purse.

What is the danger?

A security firm known as Kaspersky Labs recently conducted a study to assess the security (or lack thereof) of these public charging docks. The results? They were able to easily install viruses through the USB cable. The scary part is it took them under three minutes. The study also shows that computers are highly vulnerable for the same reasons.

Read More: How can you Tell Which Android Phone is Right for You?

How does all of this work?

When you plug your phone into these charging docks, your phone leaks some information through the USB cable connected to your device. Hackers can connect their computers or phones to the same charging dock and retrieve the information. Some of the data your phone releases is incredibly private, including the device type, serial number, list of files, and the name of the manufacturer.

How can I protect myself?

1. Encrypt your text messages. If you are concerned about the privacy of your text messages, third party apps such as WhatsApp will successfully shield your messages from hackers.
2. Protect your phone with a fingerprint ID or a password, and maintain the phone’s lock during its charge. This will make it much harder for the hackers to access your information.
3. Constantly check for updates. Your phone company should update your phone with security programs that can help prevent these hacks.
4. Antivirus protection. PSafe’s antivirus system vigilantly scans all of your phone files and searches for security breaches.

Easiest of all, don’t plug your phone into these public charging docks. There are mobile phone chargers that are available for purchase that are much safer and inaccessible by hackers.