The launch of Apple’s new iPhone 17 and iOS 26 has generated plenty of excitement, but one default setting buried in the software could put users at serious risk. According to the TSA, a seemingly harmless feature in the Wired Accessories menu may expose iPhones to data theft when connected to public USB ports.
How to find this setting
open Settings > Privacy & Security > Wired Accessories. By default, the option labeled Automatically Allow When Unlocked is turned on.
I recommend changing it to Always Ask or Ask for New Accessories to prevent unauthorized connections.
Why Public USB Ports Are Dangerous:-
Many travelers charge their devices at airports, train stations, or coffee shops. However, these public charging points are frequent targets for hackers. The TSA warns that criminals use a technique known as juice jacking, replacing legitimate USB cables or ports with malicious ones that secretly extract data while appearing to charge your device normally. Because USB connections support both power and data transfer, hackers can exploit this channel to steal your information undetected.
Beyond Charging: New Manipulation Threats
In addition to juice jacking, another rising concern is choicejacking. This technique involves tricking users with fraudulent pop-ups, ads, or app interfaces that mimic familiar phone screens. When a victim taps a fake button like “confirm” or “play” they’re actually giving a hacker remote access or permissions.
A study from the Graz University of Technology in Austria suggests that even physical accessories, such as modified charging cables, could imitate user input. This expands the potential for cyberattacks through what appears to be simple hardware. Despite these warnings, iOS 26 still allows wired accessories to connect automatically once the phone is unlocked, which security experts consider a major flaw.
How to Stay Safe:-
Whether you’ve just upgraded to the iPhone 17 or updated your current device to iOS 26, changing this setting should be your first step.
Navigate to Settings > Privacy & Security > Wired Accessories, then switch to Always Ask or Ask for New Accessories.
When in public spaces:-
1- Avoid using free USB charging stations altogether. Instead, use your own wall adapter and cable.
2- Carry a portable power bank to charge on the go.
3- If you must use a public port, consider a USB data blocker, which restricts data transfer and allows only power flow.
Still, even these precautions aren’t foolproof. With hackers becoming more sophisticated, the safest option remains simply avoid public USB ports entirely. Protecting your phone’s data is always worth the extra charge, time and inconvenience.