ALL travelers have been issued a warning by the TSA over a convenient airport habit that could majorly backfire.
But there is a way for flyers to avoid possible delays and empty bank accounts just by packing one item – however, it must be packed correctly.
GettyTravelers have been warned against a common airport habit that could cause huge issues in seconds (stock)[/caption] GettyThe TSA has told travelers not to rely on public USB charging points in the airport (stock)[/caption] GettyCyber criminals can put malware into the charging points that can access your phone and take your data (stock)[/caption]The so-called “juicing” habit leaves travelers vulnerable and could put a stop to their trips before they even begin.
Anyone who uses the free USB ports at the airport while waiting for their flight has been urged to break the habit.
The TSA warned that criminals use “juice/port jacking” to gain access to devices even when they are not at the airport themselves.
“In this technology age, cybersecurity has never been more important,” the administration wrote on Facebook.
It highlighted that while many people are aware of common scams via email and text messages, the use of public charging points at airports is not well documented.
“Hackers can install malware at USB ports (we’ve been told that’s called “juice/port jacking”),” the post stated.
“So, when you’re at an airport do not plug your phone directly into a USB port.”
Experts at the Federal Communications Commission have noted how this new tactic can give bad actors access to any device that is plugged in.
They could remotely lock your phone, steal personal data and passwords, and sell that information on.
Juice jacking victims may then be scammed and/or have their online accounts accessed including banking, emails, and social media.
To avoid being targeted, the TSA has told travelers to invest in a portable charger or battery pack.
“Bring your TSA-compliant power brick or battery pack and plug in there,” the Facebook post added.
But travelers must be aware that not only should the battery or charger be compliant with flight rules, it must also be packed correctly.
It comes after the TSA recently changed it’s guidance and banned the item from certain luggage.
Four tips to avoid juice jacking
The FCC advises travelers:
Use AC power outlets that can help you avoid any potential risks – be sure to pack AC, car chargers, and your own USB cables with you when traveling. Carry an external battery. Consider carrying a charging-only cable, which prevents data from sending or receiving while charging, from a trusted supplier. If you plug your device into a USB port and a prompt appears asking you to select “share data” or “trust this computer” or “charge only,” always select “charge only.”This year, the TSA started making changes to some of its rules with many of them being loosened, but it became more strict on battery packs.
In March, the agency banned power banks from being included in checked baggage.
“Portable chargers or power banks containing a lithium ion battery must be packed in carry-on bags,” the agency posted on its website.
Concerns about fires triggered the change, with all travelers now having to pack them in their carry-on luggage.
It came after a frightening fire was sparked by a power bank on board a Air Busan flight in South Korea in January.
AlamyPortable battery packs are easy to fit into your luggage and can help you avoid juice jacking (stock)[/caption] GettyNew TSA rules state that as long as portable batteries are compliant they must go in carry-on luggage (stock)[/caption]The plane, which had not yet taken off, was evacuated as smoke filled the cabin from one of the overhead lockers.
Several of the 170 passengers on board were injured in the incident.
With the new rules in place, the FAA has said that travelers should keep an eye on their portable chargers and alert crew members if they notice it overheating, swelling, or smoking.
All flight crews are trained in handling any fires that start in the cabin as a result of a battery, it added.
Items such as cameras, laptops, and tablets that have installed batteries are still allowed in both carry-on and checked luggage.
The U.S. Sun compiled a full list of the seven items banned from checked luggage by the TSA.
Meanwhile, travelers have also been warned about a carry-on rule regarding a ‘grooming’ item that could cause major delays.
Which items are affected by the battery ban?
The affected lithium batteries banned by the TSA include:
Power banks Cell phone battery charging cases Rechargeable and non-rechargeable lithium batteries Cell phone batteries Laptop batteries External batteries Portable rechargers Read More Details
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