Airplane Wi-Fi lets you keep communicating with work colleagues, playing internet games, or browsing websites when you’re tens of thousands of feet in the air. There’s no doubt that it’s convenient, but is it actually secure? Are you safe using Wi-Fi on an airplane?
How Do Planes Connect to Wi-Fi?
Planes provide Wi-Fi to passengers in two main ways. The first involves a network of orbiting satellites linked to stations on the ground. An antenna on top of the aircraft allows it to connect to the nearest satellite and provide internet access to passengers.
The second option is to use air-to-ground connections. They also rely on plane-mounted antennas, except these signals come from cell towers on the ground.
Both these methods are unreliable because coverage can become spotty when satellite or cell tower coverage is less abundant. However, satellite connections are comparatively less likely to experience the problem because they provide better access along the flight path.
Is Airplane Wi-Fi Secure?
Public Wi-Fi is handy, but it comes with numerous cybersecurity risks. The same is true for airplane Wi-Fi. A hacker could infiltrate the connection and steal all the transmitted information. Sitting on a crowded plane also increases the chances ofsomeone stealing private informationby simply watching over your shoulder as you type.
Some Wi-Fi hacks occur when cybercriminals set up fake connection points. They often use vague but realistic-sounding names, such as “Delta Guest Network.” Then, hackers can steal all the associated information once someone starts using those connections.
Legitimate in-flight Wi-Fi providers have also made cybersecurity blunders. Some prove that airplane Wi-Fi risks have been around for a while. Consider the 2015Fast Company coverageof a legitimate in-flight Wi-Fi company issuing fake SSL certificates to users.
Security risks further arise because many people fly while going on vacation. Hackers hope they will be more relaxed in those instances, reducing the chances they’ll follow cybersecurity best practices.
Some Airbnb scams happen similarly, too. Hackers hope victims will be so excited about upcoming getawaysthat they fall for fake Airbnb listingsof nonexistent apartments or those totally unlike their descriptions.
The main takeaway is that airplane Wi-Fi is not a safe internet connection method. It’s best to avoid it if you can. Since that’s not always an option, here are some ways to make it more secure.
How to Use In-Flight Wi-Fi Safely
The first tip is to only use in-flight Wi-Fi for activities that won’t reveal personal information. That means not checking your email, engaging in online banking or shopping, or visiting sites that require your login details.
Another way to keep safe is to carefully read all the details associated with the in-flight Wi-Fi. Pay special attention to the connection point name, so you don’t mistakenly use the wrong one.
You should also strongly consider using a paid VPN tool. VPNs use remote servers and encryption to make online activities safer. Unfortunately, somefree VPNs are not as secure as they seem.
Providers may keep logs of your IP address, device type, and online activities. Even if hackers don’t see those things, someone does. Free VPN tools also often lack security features and are easier for skilled cybercriminals to infiltrate.
If you often fly or must use in-flight Wi-Fi, take a smart step by budgeting for a paid VPN tool. Read user reviews first and learn about the available features to ensure you choose well.
Is In-Flight Wi-Fi Worth the Risk?
Besides having the security concerns detailed here, airplane Wi-Fi is usually a fee-based service. Occasions may arise where you deem the service essential. However, if you just want to connect so that time passes quickly during a long flight, think again and be aware of the potential dangers.
