TSA Issues A Major Cybersecurity Warning For Airport Travelers

If you’re planning on jetting away on vacation this summer, there’s more to think about than your seat upgrade or how many mini bottles you can stash undetected in your carry-on. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has just dropped an important heads-up that every traveler needs to know — especially if you’re the type who charges your phone in airport terminals or hops on free Wi-Fi without a second thought.

Why Cybersecurity at Airports Is a Bigger Deal Than You Think

Most of us associate the TSA with long lines and pat-downs, but the agency is now looking out for your digital safety too. In a recent social media post, they reminded travelers just how easy it is to fall into a trap while lounging in a terminal.

“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.

So, what should you be avoiding at all costs?

Beware of USB Ports: The Hidden Threat of “Juice Jacking”

Grabbing a quick charge at a public USB port might seem harmless, but according to the TSA, that could leave your phone (and everything on it) wide open to hackers.

“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 explained.

The fix is easy: pack a portable charger or plug directly into a wall outlet using your own gear.

Skip the Free Wi-Fi (Unless You’re Cool With Being Hacked)

Yes, it’s tempting to jump on free airport Wi-Fi to kill time or check your fantasy league. But it’s a big no-no when it comes to entering sensitive info or shopping online.

“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 warned.

The smart move? Use your mobile hotspot or a reliable VPN if you really need to get online.

Travel Smart This Summer

With vacation season ramping up, it’s easy to overlook digital threats while you’re focused on flight deals and hotel upgrades. But it’s important for airport travelers to heed these warnings and take precautions to keep their personal info safe.

Needless to say, skip public USB ports and bring your own power source instead, and avoid free public Wi-Fi. Because remember, cybercriminals don’t take vacation days.