Traveling today without a phone is almost unthinkable. Not having a phone at all today is almost unthinkable. Our whole life is in there, and when we travel, many of us do not carry any paper at all. Our ticket, boarding pass, hotel, bank and practically everything else are on our phone. Well, we are not the only ones who know that our phone is an extension of ourselves, and that is why the TSA has just issued a warning to iPhone users to update their devices before setting foot in any airport, for security reasons.
Apple had already released an important update, but it never hurts to remind people how dangerous it can be to connect your phone to any public USB port, especially in airports, to charge it.
What happens with phones at airports?
You have probably been there too. Your battery is low, you see a free USB port at the gate, and you plug in to charge. After all, what could happen? It must be safe… WRONG.
Those ports can be used for something called juice jacking, attacks that take advantage of the connection to steal your data without you noticing. The phone does not notify you that something is happening inside it, and by the time you realize it, the problem is already there.
What should you do?
Apple has released an update that strengthens this weak point. The system now puts more obstacles in the way of cable connections that are unclear or not trustworthy. But if your iPhone is not updated, that protection does not exist.
Check the settings
Once you update, check all your phone settings. In Settings there is an option that allows or blocks wired accessories when the phone is locked. If you do not disable it, the iPhone will continue to accept connections without asking.
Which models are most affected?
Especially the newer iPhones, such as the iPhone 15 and later, which already use USB C. They are faster but also need more control over connections, so Apple is pushing users to leave older iOS versions behind and update, or stop using those free chargers.
The TSA warning
The TSA warned users not to connect their phones to public USB ports because there are plenty of hackers out there. You can still charge your phone from any power outlet if you use your own charger, although they always recommend carrying your own power bank.
Traveling means being careful
In the past, the concern was luggage or a passport, but today it is also your phone. Any phone is an open door to your entire life. Access to all your data, bank accounts, emails and documents.
Apple and privacy
This update also includes improvements against trackers, scam calls and suspicious messages. Phones are the main target for hackers, and this needs to be addressed.
What happens if you do not update?
No, nobody is saying you will definitely get hacked, but you do increase the risk for no reason at all. In an airport full of people plugging in their phones, one small mistake is enough for someone to take advantage.
And remember that updating your iPhone only takes a few minutes and can save you hours of trouble.
Travel security starts before takeoff and continues plug by plug. In a world where everything happens on your phone, it is better to take care of it, right?