NEW SCAM at the Airport: Here’s the TSA’s Latest Warning

By Brian Delpozo Leave a Comment

Attention summer travelers: The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has a new flight warning for the summer travel season.

©Getty Images

We’ve all been there: You’re sitting at the airport, phone battery draining as you wait to board your plane, and decide to pop your charger into one of the handy USB ports while scattered near the gate and start streaming Netflix on the airport’s Wi-Fi. However, as the TSA warns, you might want to think twice.

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Earlier this year, the TSA shared their “two best tips for staying cyber safe at airports while you’re traveling” on Facebook.

First off, they discussed the dangers of using those ubiquitous USB ports. According to the agency, “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.”

USB Ports

Instead, the TSA advises bringing a “TSA-compliant” power strip to plug into an electrical outlet or using an external power brick/battery pack.

We own one!

The agency was even more blunt in its warning about using public Wi-Fi, writing, “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.”

©TSA

If you’re heading off on a vacation this summer, be sure to keep these TSA warnings in mind during your time at the airport. Stay tuned to DFB for more travel tips.

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