Public USB charging stations at airports are generally considered reasonably safe, despite warnings from US agencies about so-called juice-jacking. Security experts say the threat is possible in principle, but there are no credible reports of successful attacks using public charging ports.
USB connections carry power and data through the same cable. Researchers have demonstrated that a modified charging point could use the data connection to try to install malware or access information on a connected device. A 2013 proof of concept showed how a malicious charger could target an iPhone running iOS 6. Apple later added a prompt asking users whether to trust a newly connected device. If an unfamiliar connection prompts you to trust it, choose “Don’t Trust” unless you intend to share data.
The Transportation Security Administration advised travelers in a March 2025 Facebook post to avoid plugging phones directly into airport USB ports and instead use a personal power adapter or battery pack. The Federal Communications Commission also issued a warning about juice-jacking, then withdrew it after technology experts disputed how extensive the threat was. The Los Angeles County district attorney’s office warned about the risk in 2019 but later said it had no related cases on record.
The lowest-risk option is to avoid public USB ports and charge from a wall outlet using your own adapter and cable, or use a battery pack. A charging point that blocks data transfer is another option. If you need to use an unfamiliar USB port, a data-blocking adapter can allow power through while preventing data transfer.
Some USB-A data blockers can prevent fast charging because that charging method uses the data connection to manage higher-voltage power. Charging will still work, but may take longer; the article notes this limitation does not apply to modern USB-C blockers. Keeping software up to date and enabling multi-factor authentication for important accounts are also recommended security measures.
Sources: Engadget.