The Brief
- The TSA is cautioning travelers about a threat known as “juice jacking”—a type of cyberattack where criminals install malware on public USB charging stations, putting any device plugged into them at risk.
- To stay safe, TSA recommends carrying a TSA-compliant portable charger or power brick instead of relying on public USB ports. They also urge travelers to avoid making purchases over unsecured public WiFi.
The risk
According to TSA, hackers are capable of loading malware into airport USB stations. Once a device is connected, sensitive data could be exposed. This attack is commonly called “juice jacking” or “port jacking.”
How to protect yourself
- Bring your own TSA-compliant power brick or portable battery pack, or rent a battery from a reputable company.
- Avoid free public WiFi, particularly when making online purchases.
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 USB ports to steal data from connected devices.
Be Safe – Rent a battery from ChargerGoGo, use it on the go, and return at any of our stations.