Latest news with #USBcharging
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Travel + Leisure
8 hours ago
- Travel + Leisure
The TSA Warns Against 'Juice Jacking' at the Airport—Here's How to Protect Yourself
When was the last time you used a USB charging station at the airport? According to the Transportation Security Administration, you should think twice before charging your phone at one of those stations. "Hackers can install malware at USB ports (we've been told that's called 'juice/port jacking')," the TSA recently advised travelers on Facebook. "So, when you're at an airport, do not plug your phone directly into a USB port. Bring your TSA-compliant power brick or battery pack and plug in there." The warning has sparked fresh concern about "juice jacking," a cyberattack where criminals install malware on public charging stations to steal data from connected devices. But how real is this threat for everyday travelers? We asked a few experts. A person using their tablet. Margot Cavin/Travel + Leisure According to Calum Baird, a digital forensics expert, juice jacking is more theoretical than anything else. Despite the alarming warnings circulating online, Baird says he hasn't encountered any actual cases in his professional experience. "I see it pop up online every now and then, but most, if not all, modern smartphones now require confirmation prior to data transfer via USB," Baird says. Baird notes that even if travelers encounter compromised charging stations, most modern devices have built-in protections. Baird's personal experiences are also backed by the Federal Communications Commission, and on its website, the organization states that although it is technically possible, the FCC is not aware of any confirmed cases of juice jacking. Plugging into a USB charging port. Danny Jenkins, cofounder and CEO of ThreatLocker, offers another perspective on what travelers should actually worry about, and points to an unexpected source: deceptive USB-C cables. "Shady USB-C cables likely pose the greater risk, partly because the dangers of public charging ports are more widely known," he says. Jenkins says that people have become more aware of the dangers associated with public charging stations, so they're more cautious about using them. However, many travelers don't think twice about buying a cheap charging cable from a questionable vendor at an airport shop or online marketplace, making these cables a more successful point of attack. "Attackers are always searching for new exploits," he says. "While upcoming measures may mitigate issues related to juice jacking, vulnerabilities could still emerge as attackers gain access to new USB technologies and attempt to bypass these protections." A person plugging in a phone. Margot Cavin/Travel + Leisure While it's hard to find reports of actual juice jacking cases, it's always a good idea to take extra precautions, just in case. Jenkins says that portable battery packs can help mitigate the chances of a juice-jacking attack. If you don't have any other options aside from a public charging station, Jenkins recommends checking for signs of tampering on the USB port area. Baird says to check your phone as you plug it in. 'If it's asking you to trust a device you've connected to, decline,' he says. 'It doesn't need data transfer to charge.' While juice jacking remains largely theoretical, the TSA's cautious approach makes sense given the high-traffic nature of airports and the valuable data stored on travelers' devices. However, modern smartphones have built-in protections, and a few simple precautions can drastically eliminate any risk. Instead of avoiding public charging entirely, travelers can stay safe by bringing their own charging equipment, paying attention to device prompts, and being selective about where they source cables and adapters. After all, a dead phone battery poses a more immediate risk than juice jacking for most travelers.
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Travel + Leisure
09-06-2025
- Travel + Leisure
TSA Warning Urges Travelers to Stop Making These 2 Common Tech Mistakes at Airports
After the chaos of check-in lines and security checkpoints, there's a small ritual that feels almost sacred: finding a seat near your gate, plugging in your phone, and catching your breath with a scroll through emails or TikTok. But according to the TSA, these small comforts could come at a cost. In a March 2025 Facebook post, the agency's IT team warned travelers that using public USB charging ports and logging onto public Wi-Fi could leave personal data vulnerable to hackers. One of the most common mistakes travelers make is plugging phones into an unprotected USB charging port at the airport, which hackers can corrupt with malware. Once you're plugged in, hackers can use the USB connection to export personal data through a tactic known as "juice jacking" or "port jacking." To protect yourself, you can purchase a USB data blocker, which only allows for your device to be charged—without transferring data. Alternatively, you could simply plug your phone into a wall charger rather than a USB port. Another option is to charge your devices using a TSA-compliant battery pack (which should always go in your carry-on bag anyway, and never your checked bag). TSA also cautions against the use of public Wi-Fi, which includes the free airport Wi-Fi. These unsecured networks can be dangerous if you plan to make online purchases or need to enter sensitive information, such as social security numbers and credit card details. In addition to capitalizing on unsecured networks, hackers have been known to use a tactic called the 'man-in-the-middle" attack, where they set up a Wi-Fi hotspot that looks like a free public WiFi network. When you connect, the hacker can intercept all your information. The safest thing to do is to rely on your phone's data while at the airport—or in any public place. If that isn't an option, you should confirm that you are connecting to the real, official airport Wi-Fi. For an added layer of protection, consider using a virtual private network (aka a VPN), which can further encrypt your data and mask your IP address (a unique identifying number that's assigned to every device connected to the internet). As tempting as it is to relax and recharge at the gate, it's worth taking a few simple precautions to protect your data. Stick to wall outlets or your own battery pack for charging, avoid public WiFi when possible, and use a VPN if you must connect. A little awareness can go a long way in keeping your personal information safe—all before you board the plane.
