The FBI’s Denver Field office tweeted a warning to travelers encouraging them to avoid public smartphone charging ports.

Avoid using free charging stations in airports, hotels or shopping centers. Bad actors have figured out ways to use public USB ports to introduce malware and monitoring software onto devices. Carry your own charger and USB cord and use an electrical outlet instead. pic.twitter.com/9T62SYen9T

— FBI Denver (@FBIDenver) April 6, 2023

Using publicly available charging ports to steal data from smartphones is called ‘juice jacking’. Similar technology used for stealing credit card details in ATMs and gas stations enable juice jacking. A small device reader is embedded in the charging port, and any private details are lifted to the device and sent elsewhere. In some cases, data thieves return to the scene of the crime and download data from compromised chargers.

You can protect yourself from data theft by carrying your own battery packs when you travel. Some people may suggest using specific cables or wireless chargers when using public ports, but you can’t be too sure. You can also bring the power blocks that come with your phone and resort to using a regular outlet when you travel. It seems outlets are always in inconvenient spots at the airport, you’ll just have to sit on the hard floor.

If you do resort to using public chargers, pay attention to your phone’s battery life. If you see your device’s power draining you know something is going on.

I can admit to using the USB charging ports in hotels. My nightstand has a built in USB port and it’s just been super convenient. From now on, I’ll give up the practice.

When I’m in transit, I usually let my phone die. It’s a welcome break from always being connected.