SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News) — Syracuse Hancock International flyers have been left anxious after the Transportation Security Administration released a warning regarding a cybersecurity issue.
An alert was issued regarding USB charging outlets at airports. Scammers can hack into phones if they’re charged directly from the USB without a charging block.
Flyer Ruth Delia, coming in from San Diego, always travels with power banks to charge. She knows fraudsters can be anywhere.
“Anything can be potentially dangerous. I mean, scammers are out everywhere,” said Delia. “When I was in grad school, I got scammed. It happens.”
Coming prepared to the airport with a fully charged phone is easier said than done.
“Don’t be me and go on a flight with 10% and ride it out the whole way,” said Katie Hess, another traveler.
According to the FCC, “juice jacking” occurs when hackers load malware onto public USB charging stations, allowing them to access electronic devices as they are being charged. The malware allows cyber criminals to lock phones, computers and tablets, or export personal data and passwords to access sensitive information.
Public outlets like the ones at airports are especially vulnerable.
TSA regional spokesperson Gervais John Joubert III says that there are many ways flyers can avoid charging in public spaces, while still increasing your phone’s “juice.”
“You can use external batteries as an option,” said Joubert. “You can use a power bank. You can use charge-only cords. It’s a USB connection, but it doesn’t allow any data to be exchanged from devices.”
Whereever travelers are flying, make sure to avoid this problem by coming to the airport fully charged.
Patrick Scanlon: A day at the airport can include all kinds of stress. parking your car, checking your luggage, and going through tsa. and when you’re finally done, you may just want to sit and charge your phone as you wait for your flight. but now the tsa is warning you to keep your guard up and watch how and where you charge that phone. an alert was issued regarding usb charging outlets at airports that scammers can hack into your phone if you’re not careful.
Ruth Delia: Anything can be potentially dangerous. I mean, scammers are out everywhere. When I was in grad school, I got scammed. So it’s like, you know, it happens.
These flyers coming in from San Diego try to come in with fully charged phones to avoid charging at public outlets and airports. But it’s easier said than done.
Katie Hess: Don’t be me and go on a flight with 10% and ride it out the whole way.
Scanlon: When you’re in the airport and you charge your phone directly with the block. No problem. When you start going directly from the USB, that’s when your personal information is at risk of an attack. TSA calls it “juice jacking”.
Gervais Joubert: What basically juice jacking is just being able to get into your, your systems or your computer or your phone or whatever, and getting access to personal information.
Scanlon: According to the FCC, juice jacking occurs when hackers load malware onto public usb charging stations, allowing them to access electronic devices as they’re being charged. the malware allows cyber criminals to lock phones, computers, and tablets, or export personal data and passwords to access sensitive information. public outlits like the ones at airports are especially vulnerable. so what are some alternatives when your phone is at low battery?
Joubert: There’s a number of things, you can use external batteries as an option. You can use a power bank. You can use, charge only cords. It’s a USB connection, but it doesn’t allow any, any data to be exchanged from devices.
