SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/public-usb-charging-risk

Your phone is dying at the airport. What's the safest way to charge it?

Your own charger in a wall outlet, not a public USB port.

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The Just Right card

Too littleAny public USB port is fine
Too muchNever charge away from home
Just rightYour own plug or a battery pack

Huh, didn't know that: If your phone asks to share data or charge only, pick charge only.

The dad joke
What is an electrician's favorite band? AC/DC.
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References

Answer: Your own charger in a wall outlet. Crooks can tamper with public USB ports or leave rigged cables that steal data or add malware. Your own charger uses a wall outlet for power, not data. A portable battery works too.

  1. Michigan Attorney General: AG Nessel Warns Consumers to Beware of Juice Jacking www.michigan.gov/ag/news/press-releases/2023/04/17/ag-nessel-warns-consumers-to-beware-of-juice-jacking-when-using-public-charging-stations
    Avoid using a public USB charging station. Use an AC power outlet instead.
    Checked 2026-10-09.
  2. Michigan Attorney General: AG Nessel Warns Consumers to Beware of Juice Jacking www.michigan.gov/ag/news/press-releases/2023/04/17/ag-nessel-warns-consumers-to-beware-of-juice-jacking-when-using-public-charging-stations
    If a prompt appears asking you to select "share data" or “charge only,” always select “charge only.”
    Checked 2026-10-09.

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