Latest news with #TSA-compliant
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Yahoo
TSA Issues New Warning About 2 Common Airport Habits That Invite Hackers
The Transportation Security Administration is advising travelers of two important cybersecurity threats while navigating airports ahead of a busy summer travel season. The TSA discourages charging personal devices through USB ports. The organization also discourages sharing personal information while connected to public a world where connecting with anyone around the world is as easy as the click of a button, new guidance suggests perhaps we should be a bit more cautious. A social media post from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is warning against two cybersecurity threats while traveling. "In this technology age, cybersecurity has never been more important," the post reads. "You've likely heard about things like email scams and social media scams (tip: don't accept that friend request from your buddy's 'new' profile), but today we want to share our two best tips for staying cyber safe at airports while you're traveling." In order to stay cyber safe while traveling, the TSA is advising: Tip #1: Do not charge devices in public USB ports. "Hackers can install malware at USB ports (we've been told that's called 'juice/port jacking')," the warning post read. "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. Tip #2: Do not submit data using public WiFi. "Don't use free public WiFi, especially if you're planning to make any online purchases," the post reads. "Do not ever enter any sensitive info while using unsecure WiFi." Travelers hoping to avoid costly cyber security mistakes can use their wall chargers or portable battery packs to charge devices, and utilize their phone's data—or connect surely to the airport's official wireless internet network—instead of public WiFi. Read the original article on Southern Living
New York Post
04-06-2025
- New York Post
TSA warns of new airport security risk — passengers could wind up in trouble without even knowing
The juice isn't worth the squeeze. Passengers waiting for their flights can often be seen plugging into the free USB power ports that litter airports around the globe these days. But while they might seem like a lifesaver for those low on battery, the Transportation Security Administration is warning against the common activity for a surprising reason. Advertisement 'When you're at an airport do not plug your phone directly into a USB port,' the TSA warned in a PSA on Facebook. Instead of juicing one's device using flight hub re-fueling stations, security officials recommend bringing one's own 'TSA-compliant power brick or battery pack' and plugging in there, per the advisory. ARAMYAN – According to officials, hackers can 'install malware' at USB ports in a trend known as 'juice/port jacking.' Cybercriminals can then ransom your device or steal your passwords. Advertisement Instead of juicing one's device using flight hub re-fueling stations, security officials recommend bringing one's own 'TSA-compliant power brick or battery pack' and plugging in there, per the advisory. TSA officials are echoing warnings by the FBI, FCC, as well as countless techsperts. Unfortunately, compromised portals aren't the only way bad actors can yoink data from one's device. Advertisement Unfortunately there isn't a lot of air-port security. Getty Images The TSA also warned against using free public WiFi, especially when making purchases or otherwise entering sensitive information. As the cybersecurity experts at Norton point out, unencrypted hotspots 'transmit data in plain text, making them vulnerable to cybercriminals with the right tools.' Advertisement 'Hackers on the same network can intercept your online activities, including banking information, login credentials, and personal messages,' they wrote. And unfortunately, juice port jackers aren't the only bad actors preying on unsuspecting travelers. In April, Argentine flight attendant Barbara Bacilieri claimed that thieves are purchasing cheap tickets to access the concourse areas — allowing them to steal from both passengers and duty-free shops without actually having to board a plane. Some airport burglars even use sophisticated scanners to siphon data from passengers' credit cards as they brush by them. This surreptitious card swiping often flies under the radar until days later, when said card's owner spots an unauthorized transaction (often in a foreign country), making this crime extremely difficult to prevent.
Yahoo
03-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Don't charge your phone at airport USB ports, warns the TSA
The TSA is warning flyers to not use airport USB chargers. Doing so, it says, could result in malware infecting your phone or other device. It's also warning against using airport Wi-Fi. Your flight has been delayed—or maybe you played a bit too much Candy Crush on the last leg of your flight. Either way, your phone needs a recharge, and the USB port at the airport seems an easy way to solve that problem. Not so fast. The Transportation Security Administration is warning people not to charge their devices at airport USB ports because of the potential of accidentally loading malware onto your phone. 'Hackers can install malware at USB ports (we've been told that's called 'juice/port jacking'),' the TSA wrote on Facebook. '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.' The advice mirrors what security experts have been urging for quite some time. The FBI and FCC issued a similar warning two years ago. The TSA didn't stop there. The agency also warned people about using public Wi-Fi in airports and other locations, with an added warning to never make online purchases while using it. The unsecured nature of those hotspots makes it an easy target for hackers to pilfer your information. The warnings come as the TSA is increasing the use of facial-recognition technology at security checkpoints. Critics have warned that practice could pose risks of its own. In a February letter to TSA, five senators—four Democrats and an independent who is part of the Democratic caucus—demanded the agency stop the program, saying: 'Increasing biometric surveillance of Americans by the government represents a risk to civil liberties and privacy rights.' The TSA says it's not currently storing the biometric data it collects. This story was originally featured on
Miami Herald
02-06-2025
- Miami Herald
TSA issues new warning for airport travelers
With the busy summer travel season underway, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is warning globetrotters about the dangers of using USB chargers at airports. According to a Facebook post from TSA, travelers should avoid charging electronic devices via the USB ports that are now commonplace at airports around the country and the world because of the potential malware the ports may contain. According to TSA's advisory on Facebook: 'Hackers can install malware at USB ports.' The advisory goes to state that '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.' The same Facebook advisory also contains a warning from the government agency about free public WiFi available at most airports. Here too, the concern is that hackers can access your personal information unbeknownst to you, the traveler. The TSA Facebook post states: 'Don't use free public WiFi, especially if you're planning to make any online purchases.' The post goes on to warn 'Do not ever enter any sensitive info while using unsecure WiFi.' Meanwhile, privacy experts have been busy issuing warnings of their own. Travis LeBlanc, a lawyer and former member of the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board, recently told The Mirror that travelers would be wise to opt out of the facial recognition technology that the TSA has begun using at U.S. airport security checkpoints over the past year or more. 'You don't have to submit your picture to the government for the government to scan it and store it under their rules,' LeBlanc, The Mirror reported. Separately, privacy and data policy expert Jennifer King told the publication: 'I'm sure that the dream of enforcement agencies would be to be able to track people in real time based on something like facial recognition.' However, according to King, TSA has been 'a little vague' about what they plan to do with the photo data now being collected. TSA meanwhile, has said that any data collected is not used for surveillance. Additionally, the data is not stored. A TSA agent previously told the HuffPost that: 'Photos are not stored or saved after a positive ID match has been made, except in a limited testing environment for evaluation of the technology's effectiveness. A real-time picture simply means that an image is taken at the kiosk and that 'live' photograph is matched against the image on the identification credential.' _________ Copyright (C) 2025, Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Portions copyrighted by the respective providers.
Dublin Live
02-06-2025
- Dublin Live
Shoppers praise 'excellent' Ryanair cabin bag perfect for short breaks
A cabin bag with numerous pockets can help keep items well organised while travelling. Having everything from passports to snacks in the right place can prevent frantic searches at the airport. Amazon customers have discovered a compact backpack that features quick-access compartments. The VANKEV Backpack is an ideal travel companion, measuring 40x20x25cm, it complies with Ryanair's stringent free under-seat baggage rules. With a generous 20L capacity, it fits comfortably in overhead compartments or under the seat. Available in a range of colours, the stylish black backpack is currently available for a bargain of just €33.43. Designed with organised travellers in mind, the bag boasts a suitcase-style main compartment and a padded section for laptops up to 14 inches. A variety of additional pockets - including a waterproof pocket, mesh pocket, hidden pocket, side pocket and a quick-access front pocket - also help to keep everything within easy reach. Constructed with high-quality, anti-scratch polyester and sturdy metal zippers, the backpack features ergonomic S-curved shoulder straps with breathable mesh and a multi-layer sponge-padded back panel for extra support. Dual carry handles (top and side) offer flexible carrying options, while the TSA-compliant design unfolds 90–180 degrees for hassle-free airport security checks, reports Bristol Live. The VANKEV backpack is a traveller's dream with its built-in luggage strap that easily attaches to rolling suitcase handles and a secret anti-theft pocket for securing valuables. It even boasts a chest strap for better weight distribution, ensuring your shoulders don't bear the brunt when it's packed to the hilt. For those after an alternative cabin bag style, Amazon's €11.93 Narwey Cabin Bag has become a sensation for its compact size and wallet-friendly price. With a whopping 14,000 reviews, customers rave about its surprisingly roomy interior, likening it to "a Tardis." Cabin Max's Blue Metz 20L Underseat Bag is another trendy option for savvy travellers, retailing at €35.83 in Next and available in various hues. It's earned a stellar 4.7 out of 5-star rating from fashion-forward flyers. Amazon customers who've already bagged the VANKEV backpack are singing its praises, awarding it a 4.5 out of 5-star rating. A satisfied customer said: "Brilliant for underseat. I packed loads into here for a 4 night trip and still didn't wear everything. Lots of compartments, can pack nice and tight and small." Another happy buyer commented: "As described, beautiful colour, great design, very good quality and multi function pockets. Love the different ways to carry it. Very comfortable too. Highly recommend." One chuffed customer raved: "Excellent cabin bag. Perfect for a short break or even a week in the sun plenty of pockets." However, not all feedback was glowing, with one buyer voicing their dissatisfaction about the build quality: "The bag seemed promising but fell short in quality. The material feels flimsy, and the zippers don't glide smoothly, making me worry about its durability. While it fits under the seat and accommodates my 15.6-inch laptop, the lack of padding is concerning for protecting electronics." On the whole, shoppers appear to be quite taken with this nifty backpack from Amazon. A gleaming five-star review captured the sentiment: "Best small rucksack I have ever bought! It's the perfect size and has lots of pockets to store stuff separately in. I was a bit worried about the colour and the material being more plastic and cheap-looking, but it looks really stylish. It's very light when it's on your back. It easily fits under the seat in front on the plane." Join our Dublin Live breaking news service on WhatsApp. Click this link to receive your daily dose of Dublin Live content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. For all the latest news from Dublin and surrounding areas visit our homepage.
