Flight passengers need to know about a new way hackers can access personal information.
In a public statement posted to Facebook, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) warned that just simply plugging your phone into USB ports for a charge while sitting in the airport can be a cybersecurity risk.
“In this technology age, cybersecurity has never been more important,” TSA wrote in the post.
“Hackers can install malware at USB ports (we’ve been told that’s called ‘juice/port jacking’).”
It continued, “So, when you’re at an airport, do not plug your phone directly into a USB port.”
The agency instead suggested bringing a TSA-compliant power brick or battery pack to charge your devices.
TSA also reminded travelers not to use free public Wi-Fi, especially when planning to make online purchases.
