TSA Alerts Travelers: Hackers Target Airport USB Ports in Juice Jacking Scam
Sarah Johnson
June 14, 2025
Brief
TSA warns of juice jacking at airports, where hackers use USB ports to steal data. Use power banks and avoid public Wi-Fi to stay safe.
Travelers beware: those convenient USB charging ports at airports might be a trap. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has issued a stark warning about a growing cybersecurity threat known as juice jacking, where hackers tamper with public USB ports to install malware on unsuspecting passengers’ devices.
Plugging your phone into one of these compromised ports can expose sensitive data—think passwords, bank details, or credit card numbers—to cybercriminals. The TSA’s advice? Skip the USB ports entirely and use a personal power bank or charging brick instead.
The agency also cautioned against connecting to free public Wi-Fi, especially for online transactions. Entering sensitive information over unsecured networks is like handing your wallet to a stranger. Experts, including tech analyst Kurt Knutsson, emphasized on Fox & Friends that this isn’t a new trick, but it’s becoming more common in busy airport terminals, particularly at gate areas.
With cybercrime on the rise, staying vigilant is key. Pack a TSA-compliant charger, avoid risky Wi-Fi, and keep your data safe while you soar.
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Editor's Comments
Juice jacking? Sounds like hackers are serving a sour cocktail at airport bars! Next time you’re tempted by a free charge, remember: your phone’s data isn’t worth the squeeze.
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