- The Transportation Security Administration recently published a Facebook post warning travelers against charging their personal devices through USB ports.
- The organization also recommended avoiding entering personal details when connected to public airport Wi-Fi.
- Thankfully, there are several steps that travelers can take to protect themselves.
After the chaos of check-in lines and security checkpoints, there’s a small ritual that feels almost sacred: finding a seat near your gate, plugging in your phone, and catching your breath with a scroll through emails or TikTok.
But according to the TSA, these small comforts could come at a cost. In a March 2025 Facebook post, the agency’s IT team warned travelers that using public USB charging ports and logging onto public Wi-Fi could leave personal data vulnerable to hackers.
One of the most common mistakes travelers make is plugging phones into an unprotected USB charging port at the airport, which hackers can corrupt with malware. Once you’re plugged in, hackers can use the USB connection to export personal data through a tactic known as “juice jacking” or “port jacking.”
To protect yourself, you can purchase a USB data blocker, which only allows for your device to be charged—without transferring data. Alternatively, you could simply plug your phone into a wall charger rather than a USB port. Another option is to charge your devices using a TSA-compliant battery pack (which should always go in your carry-on bag anyway, and never your checked bag).
TSA also cautions against the use of public Wi-Fi, which includes the free airport Wi-Fi. These unsecured networks can be dangerous if you plan to make online purchases or need to enter sensitive information, such as social security numbers and credit card details. In addition to capitalizing on unsecured networks, hackers have been known to use a tactic called the “man-in-the-middle” attack, where they set up a Wi-Fi hotspot that looks like a free public WiFi network. When you connect, the hacker can intercept all your information.
The safest thing to do is to rely on your phone’s data while at the airport—or in any public place. If that isn’t an option, you should confirm that you are connecting to the real, official airport Wi-Fi. For an added layer of protection, consider using a virtual private network (aka a VPN), which can further encrypt your data and mask your IP address (a unique identifying number that’s assigned to every device connected to the internet).
As tempting as it is to relax and recharge at the gate, it’s worth taking a few simple precautions to protect your data. Stick to wall outlets or your own battery pack for charging, avoid public WiFi when possible, and use a VPN if you must connect. A little awareness can go a long way in keeping your personal information safe—all before you board the plane.
