Do this
Never charge devices from public USB ports: There are no verified cases of “juice jacking” in the wild affecting everyday users. Modern devices prompt before enabling data transfer, default to restricted charging modes, and authenticate connected accessories.
Why it’s outdated
Warnings about “juice jacking” spread in April 2023 after posts from the FBI’s Denver office and the FCC. The FBI office said its post was a general reminder, not a response to any particular incident, and neither agency pointed to a single case affecting an ordinary traveler. Phones also ask before sharing any data over a USB cable.
Sources
Common questions
You don’t have to. There are no confirmed cases of “juice jacking” affecting regular users. Phones today block data transfer by default when charging, and they’ll prompt you before allowing data access.
Do this instead
Charge wherever it’s convenient. Keeping your phone updated, as you should anyway, is what protects it.