Photo: James Rojas/WBZ NewsRadio
BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — As Bostonians prepare to travel during the summer, the Transportation Security Administration is issuing warnings about cybersecurity threats to consider. In a social media post, TSA cautioned travelers about charging their devices using the USB ports found throughout airports. Hackers can install malware on the ports, infecting your devices once connected, also known as juice/port jacking.
"I always thought it was safe, to be able to use that in the airport," said one traveler at Logan airport.
According to the Federal Communications Commission, juice jacking occurs when malware installed on USB ports exports your information directly to criminals while charging. The perpetrators can then use your information to access your online accounts or sell your information to the highest bidder.
"I had no idea that you would be hacked like that," remarked another traveler.
TSA is also warning about making purchases or entering sensitive information while accessing public Wi-Fi in airports. A study by Forbes listed the airport as the fourth most common place people access the public Wi-Fi behind cafes and restaurants, hotels, and libraries. Hackers exploit unencrypted public networks through various means, allowing them to access your personal information through malware infections and fake hotspots.
More than 12 million people traveled through Logan Airport between June and August 2024, leaving millions vulnerable to unknowingly being hacked. TSA suggests using wall mounts or battery packs to charge your phone and avoid making purchases while accessing public wi-fi.
WBZ NewsRadio’s James Rojas (@JamesRojasMMJ) reports.