TSA Says Skip Two Tempting Airport Freebies
Look across any airport boarding area and you'll see travelers scrolling through phones and charging devices before flights. Federal authorities have a warning: be careful on both counts.
"Hackers can install malware at USB ports," the Transportation Security Administration posted on Facebook earlier in 2025. "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."
Not the most convenient advice when your phone's dying and there's a free charging station right there. But apparently those free charging ports are a security risk.
The USB Port Problem
Public USB charging ports can be compromised with malware. You plug in your phone thinking you're just getting juice, but hackers can use infected ports to access your device.
The Federal Communications Commission also recommended using portable chargers or external batteries on X.
If you have to plug into a public power source, the FCC suggested using an AC outlet instead of USB ports. Or "consider carrying a charging-only cable, which prevents data from sending or receiving while charging, from a trusted supplier."
So bring your own power brick and charging cable. Plug into a regular wall outlet. Don't use the convenient USB ports built into airport seating.
Annoying? Yes. Safer than getting your phone compromised? Also yes.
The Wi-Fi Problem
TSA also suggests avoiding free public Wi-Fi at airports.
"Don't use free public WiFi, especially if you're planning to make any online purchases," the TSA warned. "Do not ever enter any sensitive info while using unsecure Wi-Fi."
Free airport Wi-Fi is tempting when you're killing time before a flight. But it's also unsecured, which means anyone else on that network can potentially intercept what you're doing.
"Anytime you're exchanging some sort of password... you want to be cautious of the networks that you're on," Eric Plam, an executive at mobile hotspot company SIMO, told USA TODAY in 2024.
Password manager tools can protect and encrypt passwords. But Plam also advised using a VPN—virtual private network—when possible.
"It's not a very big investment... and adds an extra layer of security from your computer to whatever server you're accessing."
The Reality
Airports offer two convenient freebies: USB charging ports and public Wi-Fi. Both come with security risks. USB ports can be infected with malware that compromises your device when you plug in. Public Wi-Fi is unsecured, meaning sensitive information you enter while connected can be intercepted.
The solution isn't complicated. Bring your own power brick and charging cable. Use regular wall outlets instead of USB ports. Skip the free Wi-Fi or use a VPN if you need to connect.
Is it less convenient? Absolutely. Will most people ignore this advice and use the free charging stations and Wi-Fi anyway? Probably. But if you're checking your bank account, making online purchases, or entering passwords while connected to airport Wi-Fi on a phone you charged through a public USB port, you're taking unnecessary risks.
Pack a portable charger. Use your phone's hotspot instead of airport Wi-Fi. Plug into wall outlets, not USB ports. Basic precautions that most people skip because the free options are right there and convenient. TSA and FCC are warning you anyway. Whether you listen is up to you.
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