Traveling this holiday season? Have you seen those charging stations around the airport? Avoid them.
Introducing Juice Jacking, the latest cyber attack where hackers install malicious software or hardware in public USB charging stations. When you connect your phone, that USB port can do more than just provide power — it can also silently transfer data. That means someone could access your contacts, emails, passwords, or even install malware on your device without you knowing.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the FBI have both warned travelers not to use public USB ports, especially in places like airports where thousands of people pass through every day. The risk is especially high for people who store sensitive info on their phones — think mobile payment apps, saved passwords, or work-related files.
What You Should Do To Stay Safe
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Use a wall outlet and your own charger. Unlike USB ports, standard outlets only transfer electricity, not data.
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Bring a portable charger. This is the safest way to keep your phone charged on the go — especially during long travel days when outlets are hard to come by.
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Try a USB data blocker. These small, inexpensive devices sit between your cable and the public port, allowing power through but blocking any data transfer.
If you have questions or need assistance, contact a member of the Admiral team.
