June 2025 Scam: Juice Jacking Alert

Summer travel is in full swing and airports are buzzing. As you rush to your gate with a dying phone or tablet, those free USB charging stations may look like a lifesaver, but plugging in could leave you vulnerable to a sneaky cyberattack called “juice jacking”.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) issued a renewed warning earlier this year, urging travelers to avoid public USB ports as hackers can tamper with them to steal your data or deliver malware when you plug in. Crowded terminals mean more devices and more opportunities for cybercriminals. Especially as most travelers are distracted and are less likely to notice suspicious ports.

Stay Safe Travel Tips:

  • Use your charger: Plug into a wall outlet with your cable and adapter

  • Skip public USB ports: As more establishments offer USB charging ports, avoid them to stay safe

  • Carry a power bank: Keep a fully charged TSA-compliant portable bank

  • Enable USB restrictions: With either an iOS or an Android device, set it to charge only mode to block data transfers

  • Look for tampering: Avoid ports that are loose or look damaged

  • Avoid Public Wi-fi: Never use free public wi-fi, especially to access sensitive accounts like bank accounts or while shopping online

Keep your devices and your data safe, skip the USB ports, and charge smart. 

Source: Transportation Security Administration (TSA)

 

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