While the risk is overblown, it exists. But it's easy to protect yourself.
By Jonny Evans Nov. 2, 2026 7:30 pm EST smolaw/Shutterstock Add Engadget on Google: Google DiscoverWe may receive a commission on purchases made from links.
The short answer is that it's reasonably safe to use public USB charging stations at airports and elsewhere. While US agencies, including the FBI and Transportation Security Administration (TSA), have warned against doing so, security researchers say the threat is overblown.
