The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has issued new warnings for smartphone users traveling this holiday season. Two main risks are highlighted: juice jacking and public WiFi.
Juice jacking occurs when you plug your phone into a compromised charging socket at an airport or other location. To avoid this, use a TSA-compliant power brick or battery pack and keep your phone charged on a secure source.
Regarding public WiFi, the TSA advises against using free networks, especially for online purchases. However, experts say that public WiFi is generally safe due to widespread encryption. To stay safe:
– Disable auto-connection to unknown WiFi networks
– Avoid downloading software or providing data except for email addresses
– Ensure website connections are encrypted with a padlock
– Check the network identifier before joining
– Use reputable VPNs from trusted developers
Mobile security specialists, including Zimperium and SlashNext, echo the TSA’s warning, highlighting increased mobile malware activity in major US cities and abroad. For business travelers, compromised devices can become gateways to corporate environments if security controls are not enforced.
As remote work increases, organizations must shift their strategy from securing individual devices to protecting work itself. With advanced technologies available, it’s time to plan for the inevitability of data exposure on personal devices.
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/zakdoffman/2025/07/22/tsa-warns-all-smartphone-users-do-not-use-these-networks