Finding a USB outlet at an airport to charge your phone can feel like a big win when travelling.
Not only do you probably want a full battery to listen to music, watch movies, use maps to find your way around or be able to book a rideshare – a lot of people now travel with important documentation (such as plane tickets) on their phones.
And with different electrical sockets in other countries, USB outlets seemed like a great modern addition to airports.
However, authorities are warning travellers not to be tempted, as you could have your personal information stolen.
Earlier this month, a tweet from the FBI’s office in Denver made headlines as it warned travellers against using free chargers in airports, hotels and shopping centres.
“Bad actors have figured out ways to use public USB ports to introduce malware and monitoring software on to devices. Carry your own charger and USB cord and use an electrical outlet instead,” it said.
A few days later, the US Federal Communications Commission issued the same warning in a series of tweets on its own Twitter account.
It referred to the cyber-theft tactic as “juice jacking”.
The advice is the same from Australian authorities, with the Australian Government’s Australian Cyber Security Centre telling news.com.au people can spy on your phone this way and access your private information.
“When travelling overseas ensure your electronic devices are secure to avoid your device or data being compromised,” a ACSC spokesperson said.
“Only use genuine chargers that came with your electronic device and never use third party chargers, designated charging stations or USB charging outlets.
“USB connections can transfer malicious malware and spyware allowing access to your sensitive information.”
The tweets from the FBI and FCC in the US certainly got people talking and wondering whether there was a specific incident or trend that prompted the warning.
FBI spokeswoman Vikki Migoya told US online magazine Slate the tweet was a “standard PSA-type post” and the FBI “regularly provides reminders and public service announcements in conjunction with our partners”.
The FCC was reported to confirm the agency had no reason to believe the “juice jacking” scam had increased in recent years.