In-Flight Wi-Fi Security: Ensuring Passenger Connectivity without Compromising Safety
During flights, airplanes offer Inflight WiFi, which provides wireless internet service. Passengers can connect their smartphones, laptops, and tablets to the internet while in the air. However, Inflight WiFi networks are public and vulnerable to cybersecurity risks not commonly associated with private home or office networks. Concerns arise among users about the security of their personal and financial information when using In-flight Wi-Fi services. Passenger safety should be an air carrier’s priority. In practice, passengers themselves have to improve Wi-Fi security since this is the only option that guarantees security.
Is Airplane Wi-Fi Secure?
Numerous cybersecurity risks accompany the convenience of public Wi-Fi, including airplane Wi-Fi. Hackers can easily infiltrate the connection and steal transmitted information. Moreover, sitting on a crowded plane increases the likelihood of shoulder-surfing attacks, where private information can be stolen just by observing someone typing.
Wi-Fi hacks often occur when cybercriminals set up fake connection points disguised with vague but realistic-sounding names like “Delta Guest Network.” Once unsuspecting users connect to these networks, hackers gain access to their information.
Even legitimate in-flight Wi-Fi providers have been guilty of cybersecurity lapses. A past incident involved a legitimate company issuing fake SSL certificates to users, as reported by Fast Company.
Airplane Wi-Fi is an unsafe method of internet connection, best avoided whenever possible. However if you find yourself in situations where alternatives are limited, consider implementing the following measures to enhance security.
Key Cyber Risks of Wi-Fi on an Airplane
Airplane WiFi networks pose several key security concerns:
- Shared Network: Airplane WiFi operates as a shared network, often lacking proper security measures. This allows attack potentials on the same network to monitor your traffic and attempt credential theft. Hackers can also redirect users to fraudulent websites to install malware or extract personal information.
- Evil Twin Attacks: Cybercriminals can create fake WiFi networks that mimic legitimate airplane hotspots. Once connected, hackers gain unauthorized access to view and steal sensitive data.
- Weak Authentication: Airplane WiFi may employ less robust authentication methods compared to secure networks. This vulnerability makes it easier for attackers to gain unauthorized access.
How to Protect Yourself When Using Wi-Fi on an Airplane?
#1 Use Public Wi-Fi Only for Activities That Do Not Reveal Personal Information
To protect your personal information, it is advisable to restrict the use of in-flight Wi-Fi to activities that do not involve checking emails, conducting online banking or shopping, or accessing websites that require login details.
#2 Use a VPN
A quality VPN includes encrypted servers spread across the globe. When you connect to a server, the VPN server creates an encrypted tunnel between your device and itself, through which all your data is routed. Therefore, when using a VPN while logging into your email, your username and password aren’t transmitted directly through the network.
Choose providers that offer no-log VPN, as this eliminates the risk that the data collected could be stolen or requested by the government. If you have a good and anonymous VPN service, you can prevent any fraud with the data you send. For example, VeePN offers AES-256 encryption, which would take most modern PCs decades to crack. Of course, the data becomes outdated faster and no one will crack the encryption of such a VPN.
#3 Use a Password Manager
Password managers safeguard your credentials from being stolen through airplane Wi-Fi. They automatically fill in your credentials, reducing the risk of hackers intercepting your keystrokes using keyloggers or similar spyware. Additionally, they offer phishing protection and prevent fake websites from triggering automatic form filling. Moreover, password managers often provide secure means to share sensitive information with others when connected to public Wi-Fi.
#4 Avoid Auto-Connect
Cyber risks can potentially be exposed to you when your device auto-connects to Wi-Fi networks, particularly on public networks like airplane Wi-Fi networks. Cybercriminals may set up rogue networks to siphon off your data, which makes it crucial to disable your device’s auto-connect settings, especially when traveling.
To disable this feature on iOS, navigate to Settings > Wi-Fi and turn off the Ask to Join Networks option. Android users should go to Connections, select Wi-Fi, click Advanced, and disable Auto Connect. After your flight, make sure to “forget” the airplane network to prevent automatic reconnection. Access your device’s Wi-Fi settings, choose the specific network, and select Forget it.
#5 Choose HTTPS Sites
When you use airplane Wi-Fi, ensure that you visit only HTTPS (Hyper Text Transfer Protocol Secure) websites. The ‘S’ in HTTPS signifies that the website is secure and encrypts the data transferred between your browser and the site. This prevents hackers from intercepting the data during transmission. Some browsers have a setting that enables you to force all websites to load in HTTPS whenever feasible. To activate this option in Chrome, go to Privacy and Security.
Conclusion
Airplane Wi-Fi usually requires a fee and entails security concerns discussed here. Although you may find the service imperative on certain occasions, reconsider connecting solely to pass time during a lengthy flight and be mindful of potential hazards.