Posted on 05/27/2025 4:09:30 AM PDT by where's_the_Outrage?
The Transportation Security Administration has issued a major warning for all travelers that they may be in danger of being tricked by USB malware. In a recent post on social media, the agency warned that travelers may find their devices hacked by scammers who install malware in the USB port in the airports.
"In this technology age, cybersecurity has never been more important," the Facebook post read. "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 post revealed that "Hackers can install malware at USB ports (we’ve been told that’s called 'juice/port jacking')." TSA continues, "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."
Passengers were also warned, "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 post concludes with " Thanks to our IT team for these tips!"
The warning comes after an expert issued a stark warning about government software that has been rolled out at airports in the U.S. over the last few years. The TSA has begun using a real-time photo of passengers' faces to confirm their identity at airport security checkpoints, but some experts have suggested people can opt out if they are worried about their privacy.
(Excerpt) Read more at msn.com ...
Imagine traveling without a cell phone, laptop or IPAD glued to your ass....
I miss the days when phones were attached to a wall, an Atlas was your travel guide and you got your news from newspapers and one of 3 networks that actually reported real factual news.
This is an excellent suggestion. Chinese blackhats have even been able to make USB cords that contain circuitry hidden inside the connectors! A USB data blocker will prevent this hacking approach.
You can get USB adapters that only allow power to flow through, no data.
I’ve almost always used the “free” USB ports to connect to my battery pack, then charge my phone off the battery pack. Or, plug my laptop into a 110 V outlet, and charge my phone from the laptop.
The word "compliant" in the same sentence as the 3-letter code for any dot gov agency (TSA in this case) raises concern. Even with our guys in charge, do we trust them?
And those lovely cruise ships take WAYYY too long!
So, what kind of TSA/airport moron hired USB installation techs who installed power ports — the USB plug — that can transmit data? That is BS, technically. That had to be deliberate.
As to WiFi, of course. That is a communication device, by definition it has to transmit data, including malware.
“So, what kind of TSA/airport moron hired USB installation techs who installed power ports — the USB plug — that can transmit data?”
Where did you get that idea?
“It’s really simple. DO NOT GO TO ANY AIRPORT !!!”
Duh, you have to go to the airport to catch the plane!
please help out a tech-challenged old lady.
1) How does one obtain USB data blockers?
2) Is it okay to plug into the ports on the plane?
TIA
The TSA (and whoever they share with) does not need a biometric scan of my eyes and face in their database.
Just spotted the answer to my first question at #10.
Amazon, USB data blocker.
No issue on planes.
“The TSA (and whoever they share with) does not need a biometric scan of my eyes and face in their database.”
The scan does not go into their database.
Thank you.
The fix is easy. Just have a USB cable that uses ONLY the two wires that are POWER. Do not have ANY connection to the two DATA wires!
Bring your own powerpack, and stay out of financial apps of any kind when using public Wifi.
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