The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has issued a cybersecurity warning about a growing threat known as ‘juice jacking’ at airports. This technique involves hackers using USB charging ports to install malware on unsuspecting travelers’ devices while they charge their phones. The TSA urges passengers to avoid direct USB connections and use TSA-compliant power bricks instead.
In an appearance on ‘Fox & Friends’ earlier this week, Kurt ‘CyberGuy’ Knutsson revealed that the issue with USB ‘juice jacking’ in airports has grown. ‘This is not new in terms of how they’re doing this,’ Knutsson said. ‘Criminals tamper with the popular USB charging ports that are located throughout the terminal when you’re at the airport, especially in the gate areas,’ he said. ‘What they do is – you plug your phone in, and they’ve got something in front of it that then installs malware on your phone while it’s charging. [And] you’ve got no idea.’
Once the malware is installed, the hackers will search for sensitive and personal information such as passwords, banking information and credit card numbers, said Knutsson. Knutsson highly encouraged people not to plug the USB part of the phone charger into public ports, and instead to plug the charging block into an outlet.
TSA also reminded travelers not to use free public Wi-Fi, especially when planning to make online purchases. ‘Do not ever enter any sensitive info while using unsecure Wi-Fi,’ the agency warned. The TSA’s message emphasizes the importance of cybersecurity in the modern age, urging travelers to remain vigilant and take proactive measures to protect their personal data while on the move.