Both my family and Mr. Rosie’s families live in other states and so we fly a lot. As such, I used to use free airport Wifi. A year ago (maybe more, what is time?), I read that you shouldn’t use the free airport wifi because hackers can get your information. In a world full of digital hackers and identity-stealers, it made a lot of sense to me. Since then, I’ve done my best to use cellular data or my phone’s hotspot. Turns out that free wifi is not the only thing to worry about. The TSA has just released a warning to all air travelers that not only is open airport wifi unsafe, but plugging your phone directly into one of those USB charging stations also puts you at risk.
The Transportation Security Administration is best known for its security checkpoints at the airport, but the agency has recently issued a warning to passengers to help keep passengers safe after they clear the security checkpoint.
In a recent post on social media, the TSA issued a pretty major warning to all airport travelers about how their data and information could be at risk in some seemingly harmless ways.
“In this technology age, cybersecurity has never been more important. You’ve likely heard about things like email scams and social media scams (tip: don’t accept that friend request from your buddy’s ‘new’ profile), but today we want to share our two best tips for staying cyber safe at airports while you’re traveling,” the TSA wrote in a recent Facebook post.
The TSA went on to warn all airport travelers not to use the USB charging ports that are often in airport terminals.
“Hackers can install malware at USB ports (we’ve been told that’s 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 wrote in its Facebook post.
The TSA also warned against using the airport’s public WiFi, especially when purchasing items or entering sensitive information.
“Don’t use free public WiFi, especially if you’re planning to make any online purchases. Do not ever enter any sensitive info while using unsecure WiFi,” the TSA’s post continued.
As summer approaches and travel increases, it’s important for all airport travelers to keep these warnings in mind as they spend time in the airport.
This is why we can’t have nice things! Until I finally upgraded my five-year-old phone a few months ago, it would run out of battery quickly. It’s been a while since I’ve used the free airport charging station, though, because I have a portable power pack and most airplanes have chargers now. I tried searching to see if the charging ports on airplanes were also dangerous, but couldn’t find any conclusive evidence either way.
If you’re worried that your phone has been hacked or has malware, this article has a list of warning signs to look out for and ways to fix it. I wish that we lived in a world where we could all just charge our phones and access free wifi without having to worry. I guess “knowledge is power” is the best way to prevent these things from happening. It would also be nice if federal law enforcement agencies could catch and prosecute hackers.
Photos credit: Ketut Subiyanto, Alex P, Gustavo Fring and Kelly on Pexels
Hackers are the 2nd worst a-holes on the planet, right after the entire Trump administration.
And of course federal officials are all ‘you’re on your own, suckers’
There are good hackers. My husband ran a group of them, mostly former Air Force, to ensure cyber security for major financial services clients. You need White Hat hackers to combat Black Hat hackers; they find the holes and patch them before the bad guys can get in.
Interesting! Reminds me of that guy that Leo DiCaprio played–the feds eventually hired him to help him chase down scammers.
well that really sucks, but I guess it isn’t surprising. I wonder if that happens with those chargers that you just set your phone on? I don’t have that kind of phone, lol, but I notice that wasn’t mentioned
sadly, I haven’t traveled in a little while so I’m likely safe
I saw this warning a couple years ago on CNN I think. Well at least we are protected by the Real ID. Btw anyone fly without it?
I literally had to ask my husband to run me my passport to the airport this morning (thank goodness it is a small regional airport not far from my house b/c I don’t have real ID A and forgot all about it in the rush to go. BUT the gate agent told me they will still let you through with a regular ID, but you have to go through additional security measures. I didn’t want to risk it at the larger airport I will be going through,. Ugh!
I like using my passport–it’s bigger & less easy for me to drop & lose. 😉
What is even the point of having free wifi there if it’s such a risk?
If I may offer some advice re public WiFi (anywhere) switch bluetooth off and if you use an iPhone, toggle airdrop off while you’re on any public WiFi.
It’s an extra layer of protection
Air drop is problematic, at best. I keep mine off all the time.
Same when you’re in a Starbucks or hotel or really anywhere with public wifi. Good reminders.
Years ago, when I was still teaching, as I wanted to be able to use my own laptop and/or phone in school, I started using VPNs, to change the IP addresses. Now, it’s a must for using, whether at home, or on the go. Makes you harder to track, or break into your system.
Also, being a person who NEVER gets a seat near a charging station, lol, I’ve learned to travel with an extension cord surge protector so I can directly plug into an outlet, or use one of the several charge banks I bring with me in my carry on. I just recharge them on the plane or when I get to where I’m going. It has saved me HUGE headaches during delays/layovers.
Air travel just improves by the minute.
Use public WiFi at an airport to charge your battery packs NOT your phone
Not plugging into usb jacks and jumping on wifi in public spaces (not just airports – *everywhere*) has been a must for at least a decade.
I had a friend who had her phone hacked at the Phoenix airport only a couple of years ago and it took her nearly a year to straighten it all out.
Thus, the only thing shocking about this “warning” from TSA is that they’re so late to the party. This has been a known risk for a long time.
I always use a vpn on any wifi, including at home.
Interesting! I did not know this, thanks so much! FWIW, I tend to go old school in airports–I walk around window-shopping & people watching (time enough for sitting once inside the plane), and then once I do sit, in the plane, I read an actual honest-to-goodness book. My phone stays turned off once I leave home or the hotel.
And airports can’t do anything about it…? This is why it’s good to bring a magazine or novel with you, people. 📖