Are Shared Power Banks Monitoring You? How to Avoid This Hidden Data Trap

Have you ever used a shared power bank in a small restaurant, shopping mall, or airport? What you may not realize is that while it’s charging your phone, the device could also be quietly collecting your personal data.

Today, we’ll uncover the potential data risks hidden behind shared power banks—and show you how to protect yourself.

1.Can Shared Power Banks Really “Monitor” Us?

To answer this question, we first need to understand how shared power banks work and what they are technically capable of.

Modern shared power banks typically interact with users in the following ways:

QR code rental:Scan the QR code on the charging cabinet to download the app and rent a power bank.
Device connection: Plugging the charging cable into your phone
Potential data transfer: Some devices may transmit data while charging
Location tracking: Recording the return location of the device

From a technical standpoint, when a shared power bank connects to your phone via a USB interface, it can theoretically access certain data. The standard USB protocol supports both power delivery and data transmission.

That said, most reputable shared power bank brands design their devices with privacy protection in mind and implement restrictions that prevent data access.

The real risk lies with non-certified or maliciously modified devices. These may be equipped with hidden chips or malicious programs designed to steal user data without consent.

2.What Data Could a Shared Power Bank Collect?

Renting a shared power bank involves more than simply borrowing a device. According to cybersecurity experts, a maliciously designed shared power bank could attempt to collect the following information:

Basic device data:Phone model, operating system version, unique device identifiers
Contact information:Names and phone numbers stored in your contacts
Photos and videos: Media files saved on your device
Location data: GPS or network-based location information
App data: Personal information from certain apps, such as social accounts or chat records
Browsing history: Website visits and search activity

Even more concerning, some shared power bank operators may collect data through legally permitted but insufficiently transparent terms, including:

Usage habits and movement patterns
Payment behavior and rental frequency

This data may then be used for:

Targeted advertising: Creating detailed user profiles for advertisers
Data resale: Selling aggregated data to data brokers for market research
Risk assessment: Used by financial institutions for credit or risk evaluation
Behavior prediction: Anticipating future actions and influencing consumption decisions

Individually, these data points may seem harmless. But when combined, they can paint a surprisingly detailed picture of your life—where you go, when you’re active, how much you spend, and even your profession or social circle.

3.Real-World Cases and Security Warnings

In 2025, researchers from Graz University of Technology in Austria demonstrated a “malicious charger” attack at the USENIX Security Symposium. They modified an ordinary charger by embedding a miniature computer and storage module.

Once connected to a phone, the charger could install surveillance software within seconds—bypassing system protections and silently stealing data.

Meanwhile, in China—the birthplace of shared power banks—although no large-scale public incidents have been officially disclosed, cybersecurity authorities and experts have repeatedly issued warnings:

l Some shared power bank apps request excessive permissions, such as access to contacts and location data

l Certain devices collect usage data without clearly informing users

l Criminals may place malicious power banks in public locations to lure unsuspecting users

Although large-scale tampering of mainstream shared power bank networks is unlikely, this serves as an important reminder that any external device connected to a smartphone can pose potential security risks. Therefore, choosing high-quality shared power banks with robust security mechanisms and rigorously tested hardware and software is a crucial step in reducing data risks and protecting personal information.

4.How to Identify Suspicious Shared Power Banks

With shared power banks becoming increasingly common, knowing how to spot suspicious devices is your first line of defense:

Check the appearance: Look for signs of tampering, unusual ports, or unexpected indicator lights

Verify the brand: Choose well-known brands such as STW , which has built a strong reputation through rigorous quality control and user trust

Use official rental channels: Scan QR codes through official apps, mini-programs, or web platforms—avoid unknown or damaged codes

Watch permission prompts:If your phone asks whether to “trust this device” or allow data access, proceed with caution

5.How to Avoid Data Traps

(1)Use “Charge-Only” Cables

Special cables designed to transmit power only—without data—are widely available. Carrying one while traveling can effectively block data theft.

(2)Disable Data Transfer

Before connecting to a shared power bank:

Android: Turn off “USB debugging” in Developer Options
iPhone: If prompted to “Trust This Computer,” select “Don’t Trust”

(3)Carry Your Own Power Bank

The safest option is to use your own power bank. While less convenient, it completely eliminates external data risks.

(4)Pay Attention to System Alerts

If your phone prompts you to install apps or grant unusual permissions after connecting, disconnect immediately.

(5)Use Privacy Protection Devices

USB data blockers or “USB firewalls” allow power to pass through while blocking data transmission. They are small, portable, and effective.

(6)Regularly Check Your Device Security

Look for unknown apps
Monitor abnormal battery drain or overheating
Run security scans with trusted software

Ultimately, protection comes down tocutting off data transmission pathwaysbetween your phone and unknown devices. Choosing reliable brands, rejecting suspicious permission requests, and using data-isolation accessories can significantly enhance your security.

Conclusion

In the digital age, completely avoiding data collection is nearly impossible. There’s no need to panic or reject the convenience of shared power banks altogether.

Technology always brings new challenges alongside new benefits. By staying informed and taking the right precautions, we can enjoy convenience without sacrificing security.