The TSA Warns About 'Juice Jacking'-Here's How Travelers Can Stay Safe

""Hackers can install malware at USB ports (we've been told that's called 'juice/port jacking')," the TSA advised travelers on Facebook in March 2025. "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 sparked fresh concern about "juice jacking," a cyberattack where criminals install malware on public charging stations in order to steal data from connected devices."

"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."

The Transportation Security Administration warned travelers not to plug phones directly into airport USB ports and advised using TSA-compliant power bricks or battery packs to avoid "juice jacking." Juice jacking involves criminals installing malware on public charging stations to steal data from connected devices. Calum Baird, a digital forensics expert, described juice jacking as largely theoretical and said he has not encountered confirmed cases; the Federal Communications Commission said it is technically possible but unaware of confirmed incidents. Many modern smartphones require user confirmation before allowing data transfer over USB, and deceptive USB-C cables may present a greater, lesser-known threat.

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