Using free chargers on flights? You might want to think twice as TSA warns hackers are targeting public USB ports. Here’s how to protect yourself

But there’s one free perk you might still snag at the airport: a phone charger. It used to be tough to find outlets at airports, but now more terminals have USB ports built directly into seats so travelers can charge their phones and devices while they wait to board.

There's just one problem. The TSA warns that public USB ports are a prime target for hackers. So you may want to think twice before plugging your phone in after all.

The good news? With a few simple precautions, you can protect your devices from malware. Here’s what to do — and what to avoid

Don't plug your phone in directly

Hackers are getting savvy at planting physical devices into public USB ports that can infect your phone as soon as you connect. It's a lot like credit card skimmers, which steal your information by hiding malicious hardware inside a card reader.

If your phone is plugged into a compromised USB port, it could be hacked or infected. A safer option is to bring a TSA-compliant battery pack or power bank and plug your phone into that instead. This keeps your device isolated from potential threats in public ports.

If you must use a public USB port and a prompt appears asking if you want to “share data” or “trust this device,” don't click on it. Choose "charge only" if that’s an option — but even then, it’s not a guaranteed safeguard.

Use a data blocker

A data blocker — sometimes called a USB condom — is a small adapter that allows power to flow through a USB port. It blocks all data transfer, which helps protect your phone from malware.

You plug the data blocker into the USB port first, then connect your charging cable to it. That way, you don’t need to carry a special cable. You can find data blockers online for less than $10.

But, while a data blocker can stop malware, it won’t necessarily protect your device from all risks. One more serious threat is a USB killer, a malicious device that sends a high-voltage surge through the port. If your phone gets plugged into one of these, it could fry your device completely.

Avoid using free WiFi

Public WiFi networks come with their own risks. When you connect, someone else is in charge of the data transfer, which means a hacker could reroute your connection to a malicious site designed to steal your information.

If you enter sensitive info, like credit card numbers or login credentials, you could open yourself up to fraud or even identity theft. In 2024 alone, the Federal Trade Commission received over 1.1 million identity theft reports, making it a very real concern.

If you need to use public WiFi, install a trusted virtual private network (VPN) on your device. A VPN encrypts your data and makes it harder for hackers to intercept or manipulate it. If you’re not using a VPN, avoid entering any personal or financial information while connected — whether you’re at the airport or anywhere else with free internet.