Many people charge their phone at the airport after the long airport security checks to ensure they have enough juice in the battery to last their flight. There are people in queues to find the right spot that’s next to the USB charging station. However, it may not be the best thing you can do for your device’s safety and privacy, as per TSA.
TSA has now warned the passengers to avoid plugging in the charging cable via the USB outlets at the airport. In their FB post, they say it can cost you your peace of mind if hackers get to it. The TSA’s IT team has warned travelers how plugging in the USB makes their devices more visible and vulnerable to hackers.
The same thing applies to public WiFi. If you log into a public WiFi with your personal details and credentials, your whole phone or device is more susceptible to hacking. And you don’t want that happening since we all have sensitive data like banking information and personal details on our devices.
The hackers can add malware to your devices once connected to public WiFi and USB ports. They can employ the two connections to extract your personal information via juice jacking. Also known as port jacking, using the USB port for charging may not be the best idea. One way to protect your device is to use a USB data blocker.
“They look for passwords, banking info, credit card numbers”: @cyberguy warns hackers are using airport USB charging ports to install malware on phones pic.twitter.com/OFwN6T292d
— FOX & Friends (@foxandfriends) June 10, 2025
The system prevents your phone from transferring any data and just charges the phone. Another method is to charge your phone using the wall plug charger instead of using just the cable. It will not make your phone accessible to hackers. You can also choose a complaint battery pack to charge your phone on the go. Make sure it has the right specifications to go into the carry on baggage. Never carry it in your check in baggage.
Many passengers, especially the ones traveling internationally, log into public WiFi. But the unsecure networks are dangerous and access your personal information. The hackers may get your credit card details or social security number. In some networks hackers can make fake free WiFi hotspots to access all your information. The best way to prevent this is to use your phone’s data and get an international internet pack so as not to rely on free WiFi. You may also pick an international SIM card to avoid using public WiFi.
Next time at the Airport; don’t use Ports for charging. You could lose Data & sensitive info frmyour phone.Warns #TSA. At best you could do. Carry own powerbanks, own charging cords.Use Charge OnlyOptions, when your phone alerts. Do not use #PublicWiFi#JuiceJacking #PortJacking pic.twitter.com/5qgkPjreoT
— Dr. Subhash (@Subhash_LiveS) June 7, 2025
You may also use a VPN so it can encrypt your IP address and data. So, such precautions can always come in handy before you panic due to phone hacking. Avoid giving into the temptations of free WiFi and a bit more battery percentage at unsafe USB stations. Also, avoid posting your boarding pass information online to deter hackers. These precautions will help safeguard your devices and information.
