The US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has issued a warning to travellers about the risks of using public USB ports at airports.
“Hackers can install malware at USB ports (called ‘juice/port jacking’). 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 TSA said in an advisory on Facebook.
The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) explained that malware installed on public USB charging stations could access electronic devices while charging, exporting personal data and passwords directly to perpetrators.
The FCC recommends that travellers use AC power outlets and adapters, power banks, or a charging-only cable, which prevents data from sending or receiving while charging.
Additionally, travellers should always select the ‘charge only’ option if prompted on their device, avoiding ‘share data’ choices.
