(AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli)AP
You know those free USB charging stations at airports? Don’t use them.
Even if you’re at 3% and the battery bars are quickly dying, the TSA warns not to give in to temptation of convenient airport charging ports because your personal information can be stolen.
It’s called “juice jacking,” a shady tactic used by hackers who target public USB ports commonly located in airports. Once plugged in, innocent travelers looking for a charge will instead get malware installed into their phones while they are charging.
Unbeknownst to the traveler, hackers are then able to steal passwords and identities, access your passwords and private info, drain bank accounts or even lock your device and demand money to unlock it.
Seriously scary stuff.
But what are travelers to do when they have no juice and they’re intensely working to meeting a deadline, booking excursions, or worse, texting a new love interest and the batter bars turn red (for dangerously low)?
For starters, always bring your own portable charger or TSA-approved portable battery pack. Plug that into an outlet, not a random USB port that could’ve been tampered with.
Portable chargers can be found on Amazon.
If you’re still not convinced of the potential dangers, know that it’s not just the TSA saying this — the FBI, FCC, and cybersecurity experts are all backing this advice.
Hackers are getting more creative, and travelers are, unfortunately, unsuspecting, easy targets.
Also, while we’re talking safety: Free airport Wi-Fi? Also too risky and should be avoided.
If it’s not secure (and it usually isn’t), hackers on the same network can spy on you. That includes things like your banking info, logins or personal messages.
Finally, some thieves even buy cheap flights just to get past security and steal from duty-free stores or passengers.
Others carry scanners that can steal credit card info just by walking past you. To combat this particular scam, there are wallets that prevent this kind of theft, available on Amazon.
Bottom line: The juice isn’t worth the squeeze. Keep your phone and data safe — bring your own power source and be smart about where you plug in and log on.
