Can hackers use AirDrop?

Can hackers really take advantage of AirDrop to launch attacks or steal information? I've heard rumors about this, but I'm not entirely sure how it works. Could you explain the potential risks involved if hackers were able to access AirDrop? Is it easy for them to do so? And what measures can I take to protect myself from such threats? It would be great if you could provide some practical advice on staying safe while using AirDrop.