TSA urges travelers to avoid airport public charging stations over juice jacking

Key Takeaways

• TSA warns against using public USB charging stations at airports due to potential juice jacking risks.
• No confirmed airport juice jacking attacks as of May 2025, but risk remains credible and serious.
• Use personal chargers, power banks, and USB data blockers recommended by TSA, FCC, and FBI.

In May 2025, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) issued an urgent warning to travelers across the United States 🇺🇸: avoid plugging your phone or other devices into public USB charging stations at airports. This alert, echoed by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), highlights a growing cybersecurity threat known as “juice jacking.” While no confirmed attacks have been reported at U.S. airports, the risk is considered real by experts and federal agencies. With millions of people passing through airports every day, the potential impact is huge, especially during busy travel seasons.

Let’s break down what juice jacking is, why the TSA and other agencies are concerned, and what practical steps travelers can take to protect themselves. This guide will also explore the background of the warning, the perspectives of cybersecurity experts, and what changes travelers and airport operators might expect in the future.

What Is Juice Jacking and Why Is the TSA Warning Travelers?

Juice jacking is a type of cyberattack where hackers use public USB charging ports to steal data or install harmful software (malware) on your device. When you plug your phone or tablet into a compromised USB port, it can secretly transfer data or install malware without your knowledge. This malware can steal passwords, banking information, or even take control of your device.

The TSA’s warning comes after cybersecurity experts demonstrated that juice jacking is technically possible. Although there are no confirmed cases of successful juice jacking attacks at U.S. airports as of May 2025, the risk is credible enough that the TSA, FCC, and FBI have all issued public advisories. The warning has been shared widely, including in states like Idaho and Michigan, and is being taken seriously by airport authorities and travelers alike.

How Juice Jacking Works: Simple Explanation

When you use a USB port to charge your device, it can do two things:
– Provide power to charge your battery
– Transfer data between your device and the charging station

A regular wall outlet only provides power, but a USB port can also move data. If a hacker has tampered with a public USB charging station, plugging in your device could let them:
– Install malware that can spy on you or steal your information
– Copy your data like photos, contacts, or passwords

This is why the TSA and other agencies are urging travelers to avoid public USB charging stations and use safer alternatives.

Official Guidance: What the TSA, FCC, and FBI Recommend

The TSA’s official advice is clear: Do not plug your devices directly into public USB charging ports at airports. Instead, use your own charging equipment. Here are the main recommendations from the TSA, FCC, and FBI:

• Bring your own AC adapter and USB cable to plug into standard wall outlets, which only provide power and not data transfer.
• Use a portable power bank (a battery pack you charge at home and bring with you). Remember, TSA rules require most battery packs to be in your carry-on bag, not checked luggage.
• Consider USB data blockers (sometimes called “USB condoms”). These small devices let power flow but block data transfer, making it much harder for hackers to access your device.
• Never use public USB charging stations in airports, hotels, or shopping centers.
• Keep your device’s software up to date to protect against known security problems.

The FCC provides a helpful consumer guide on juice jacking and mobile security, which includes more tips for travelers.

Why Is This Warning Important for Travelers?

Millions of people travel through U.S. airports every day. During holidays and peak travel seasons, the number of travelers grows even more. Many people rely on their phones for boarding passes, travel updates, and even banking. If a device is compromised, the consequences can be serious:
– Identity theft: Hackers could steal personal information and use it to open accounts or make purchases in your name.
– Financial loss: The Identity Theft Resource Center reports that nearly 1 in 8 identity theft survivors lost over $10,000.
– Loss of access: Malware could lock you out of your device or accounts, making travel even more stressful.

Even though there are no confirmed juice jacking attacks at airports so far, the technical risk is real. As reported by VisaVerge.com, federal agencies and cybersecurity experts agree that it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Step-by-Step: How to Charge Your Devices Safely at the Airport

To help travelers stay safe, here’s a simple checklist for charging your devices at airports and other public places:

1. Pack Your Own Charger
   • Bring an AC adapter (the part that plugs into the wall) and your own USB cable.
   • Plug into a standard wall outlet, not a public USB port.
2. Use a Portable Power Bank
   • Charge your power bank at home and bring it with you.
   • Make sure your power bank is in your carry-on bag, as required by TSA rules.
3. Consider a USB Data Blocker
   • These small devices plug between your USB cable and the public port.
   • They let power flow but block data transfer, keeping your device safer.
4. Disable Data Transfer
   • If your device asks if you want to “share data” or “trust this computer” when you plug in, always select “charge only.”
   • Never allow data transfer on a public charging station.
5. Keep Your Device Updated
   • Regularly update your phone or tablet’s operating system and security software.
   • Updates often fix security problems that hackers could use.
6. Turn Off Your Device While Charging
   • If possible, power off your device before plugging it in. This can reduce the risk of data transfer.

What About Airports and Facility Operators?

The TSA’s warning is not just for travelers. Airports and other facility operators are also paying attention. Some airports may:
– Reevaluate the use of public USB charging stations
– Replace USB ports with standard AC outlets
– Add security features to existing charging stations

As more travelers become aware of the risks, airports may change how they offer charging options. In the future, you might see fewer USB ports and more regular outlets or secure charging lockers.

Perspectives from Cybersecurity Experts

Cybersecurity experts agree that juice jacking is technically possible and could have serious consequences. Jae Ro, a cybersecurity specialist at SIGNAL + POWER, explains that malware installed through a compromised USB port can steal sensitive data, including passwords and banking information. Even though there are no confirmed cases at airports, the risk is enough to justify the warnings.

Some analysts are more skeptical, pointing out that the lack of real-world attacks means the risk might be overstated. However, they also agree that the technical possibility is real, and taking simple precautions is a smart move for travelers.

Consumer advocates, like those at the Identity Theft Resource Center, remind travelers that cybercriminals are always looking for new ways to attack. Staying alert and following safety tips can help prevent problems before they start.

Background: How Did Juice Jacking Become a Concern?

The term “juice jacking” was first used over ten years ago, when cybersecurity researchers showed that USB charging ports could be used to install malware or steal data. As public charging stations became more common in airports, hotels, and shopping centers, warnings from security experts and federal agencies increased.

Proof-of-concept attacks—demonstrations by researchers showing how juice jacking could work—were presented at cybersecurity conferences. These demonstrations proved that the risk was not just theoretical. In recent years, the rise of USB-C ports and the growing use of mobile devices for sensitive tasks, like mobile banking and digital boarding passes, have made the issue even more important.

The Numbers: How Big Is the Risk?

• No confirmed juice jacking attacks have been reported at U.S. airports as of May 2025.
• Millions of travelers pass through U.S. airports every day, making the potential scale of exposure very large.
• Identity theft is costly: Nearly 1 in 8 identity theft survivors lost more than $10,000, according to the Identity Theft Resource Center.

While the exact number of juice jacking incidents is unknown, the broader risk of cybercrime is clear. The lack of confirmed cases does not mean the risk is zero—just that it hasn’t been detected or reported yet.

What Could Happen Next? Future Outlook

Travelers should expect continued warnings from the TSA, FCC, and FBI, especially during busy travel periods. Here’s what might change in the near future:

• More use of USB data blockers and charging-only cables by travelers
• Airports replacing USB ports with AC outlets or adding extra security to charging stations
• Possible new rules or standards for public charging infrastructure if a confirmed attack occurs

As technology evolves, so do the methods used by cybercriminals. Staying informed and cautious is the best way to protect yourself.

Practical Tips: What Should Travelers Do Right Now?

Before you travel:
– Pack your own charger and USB cable.
– Charge a portable power bank and put it in your carry-on bag.
– Consider buying a USB data blocker for extra safety.

At the airport:
– Use only your own charger plugged into a wall outlet.
– Avoid public USB charging stations, even if they look safe.
– If you must use a USB port, select “charge only” if prompted.

After your trip:
– Check your device for any unusual activity.
– Update your passwords if you notice anything suspicious.
– Keep your device’s software up to date.

Official Resources and Where to Get Help

For more information or to report suspicious activity, use these official resources:

• TSA: tsa.gov – Travel security updates and guidance
• FCC: fcc.gov/juice-jacking-tips-to-avoid-it – Consumer guide on juice jacking and mobile security
• FBI: fbi.gov – Cybersecurity tips and public service announcements
• Identity Theft Resource Center: identitytheftresourcecenter.org – Help for identity theft victims

Contact Information:
– TSA Contact Center: 866-289-9673
– FCC Consumer Complaints: consumercomplaints.fcc.gov
– FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3): ic3.gov

Summary Table: TSA Juice Jacking Warning (May 2025)

Key Takeaways for Travelers

• Do not use public USB charging stations at airports or other public places.
• Bring your own charger and cable to use with wall outlets.
• Use a portable power bank and keep it in your carry-on bag.
• Consider a USB data blocker for extra protection.
• Keep your device’s software updated and stay alert for suspicious activity.

The TSA, FCC, and FBI all agree: while no confirmed juice jacking attacks have been reported at U.S. airports, the risk is real enough to take simple, practical steps to protect your devices and personal information. By following these guidelines, travelers can reduce their risk and enjoy safer journeys.

For the latest updates and official advice, visit the FCC’s consumer guide on juice jacking. Stay informed, stay safe, and keep your personal information secure wherever your travels take you.

Learn Today

Juice Jacking → A cyberattack using public USB ports to steal data or install malware via charging connections.
TSA → Transportation Security Administration, a U.S. agency overseeing airport security and passenger safety.
USB Data Blocker → A device that blocks data transfer on USB connections while allowing power to charge devices.
Malware → Malicious software designed to damage or gain unauthorized access to computers or mobile devices.
Portable Power Bank → A battery pack charged at home used to power devices without connecting to risky USB ports.

This Article in a Nutshell

In May 2025, TSA issued a warning on juice jacking risks at airports. Travelers should avoid public USB ports and use personal chargers or power banks for device safety. Federal agencies emphasize simple precautions to protect sensitive data from cyberattacks and prevent identity theft during busy travel periods.
— By VisaVerge.com