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When my husband and I were on a very long flight last year, he leaned over and asked, “I want to check our Morgan Stanley account. Do you think it’s okay to do it using Wi-Fi on the plane?”
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How did we live without Wi-Fi on the plane? Oh yes, we read magazines! Sorry to bring you bad news, but the Wi-Fi isn’t as secure as we’d hoped. Don’t be afraid. I have some tips on how to protect yourself and surf the skies safely.
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Up in the air
Hackers use all kinds of sneaky tactics to steal your privacy on the run. They have one thing going for them: VPNs are more likely to drop in and out in the air than on the ground. (More on that below.)
Without that layer of protection, cybercriminals using the same airline Wi-Fi can easily access your devices, access your data and spread malware.
Here are some tips for safe internet surfing from heaven. (iStock)
“S” for safety: Only visit encrypted websites — the ones that start with “HTTPS” (that “S” is important!). Generally, this blocks a hacker from seeing your activity on a particular website, such as the password or credit card number you entered.
Beware of AirDrop: Keyloggers track every thing you type, and criminals like to forward them using Apple’s AirDrop feature. Do not accept drops from strangers in flight. Here are the steps to disable or restrict AirDrop if you need help.
Game name: Thieves can create fake Wi-Fi networks with almost identical airline company names. If you’re not careful, you could end up joining a copier network instead of a legitimate one.
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Safety to heaven
I know you won’t skip Wi-Fi entirely. It’s okay, just be smart.
Update all: Before you hit the road, make sure your phone, computer, tablet, smartwatch and all other connected devices have the latest software. Here are the steps for Windows, Mac, iPhone and Android. Updates often include critical security patches that protect against new threats. Don’t forget to update your apps too.
Add a layer of security: A virtual private network (VPN) encrypts your internet connection. Before accessing anything sensitive like your email, online banking or shopping accounts, turn on your VPN. Double-check its status to make sure it’s actively protecting your connection. It should show as “connected” or “secured”.
While VPNs are an easy way to secure your internet connection from the ground, they’re often much more visible – and in turn less effective – when you’re flying. (iStock)
Check the names. If you notice multiple Wi-Fi networks with similar names, check with airline staff to confirm which one is the right one.
Use 2FA: For any account associated with financial information or personal data, two-factor authentication is mandatory. This adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second verification step, such as a code sent to your phone or email, after entering your password. Set this for all accounts linked to your finances to reduce the risk of unauthorized access.
Secure your devices. Invest in antivirus and anti-malware software and keep your devices physically secure. Avoid leaving your phone, tablet or laptop unattended, even for a moment.
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Stop looking loos. get a privacy screen for your laptop to prevent snooping near your shoulder.
Bonus: Don’t post pictures of your boarding pass or other travel documents
You are excited, waiting for the plane. What’s the harm in posting a picture of your boarding pass? A lot of it. Boarding tickets show your full legal name, ticket number and passenger’s name. That six-digit code plus your last name gives anyone access to your booking information online.
The same goes for your driver’s license, passport, visa or other identification documents. Thieves pay attention to every detail that they could use.
Keep these photos on your phone before your vacation. Scroll to no. 3. You’ll thank me if anything goes missing.
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