Beware of the Evil Twin Wi-Fi Scam on Airplanes.
With onboard Wi-Fi as we increasingly rely on these services, we must also be vigilant against the lurking threats of cybercrime, including the insidious “Evil Twin” Wi-Fi scam making waves in the world of air travel.
What is the Evil Twin Wi-Fi Scam?
The Evil Twin Wi-Fi scam isn’t a new concept but rather an old tech trick that has found a new home in the aviation sector. Essentially, an Evil Twin is a rogue wireless access point that pretends to be a legitimate network. Cybercriminals set up a Wi-Fi hotspot with a name that closely resembles the official onboard network, luring unsuspecting passengers to connect. Once connected, users unknowingly expose sensitive information such as passwords, credit card numbers, and personal data to cyber thieves.
Imagine this scenario: you board a flight, excited to catch up on work or binge-watch your latest series. You scan for the available networks and spot one labeled something like “Airline_WiFi_Free.” Without a second thought, you connect, only to find out later that this “free” network was a cleverly disguised trap, designed to harvest your personal information.
How Does It Work?
The mechanics of the Evil Twin scam are surprisingly straightforward. Here’s a breakdown of the process:
- Imitation: The scammer sets up a hotspot with a name similar to the airline’s legitimate Wi-Fi network (e.g., “Airline_123”). Often, they may even boost the signal strength of this fake network to ensure it’s the first option you see.
- Interception: Once connected, all traffic from your device is routed through the scammer’s network. This means that any data sent over the internet including login credentials and banking information can be intercepted.
- Data Harvesting: The scammer can then harvest this data for malicious purposes, such as identity theft, fraud, or selling your information on the dark web.
Recognizing the Signs
The best offense is a good defense, and that means being able to identify a potential Evil Twin network. Here are some tips to help you stay safe while surfing on airplanes:
- Check the Network Name: Confirm with the flight attendants what the exact name of the airline’s Wi-Fi network is. Only connect to the official network but be very careful as the scammer can set up exactly the same Wi-FI name as the official network.
- Use VPNs: A Virtual Private Network (VPN) encrypts your internet traffic, making it much harder for cybercriminals to intercept your data, even if you find yourself connected to a rogue network.
- Avoid Sensitive Transactions: As tempting as it may be to shop online or check bank statements while in the air, avoid performing sensitive transactions over public Wi-Fi, especially in airports and onboard.
- Turn Off Sharing: If you must connect to public Wi-Fi, ensure that file sharing and public folder access are turned off. This minimizes the risk of exposing your device to unauthorized access.
- Forget the Network: After you’re done using Wi-Fi, forget the network on your device to prevent it from automatically connecting to it in the future.
The Responsibility of Airlines
While travelers must take responsibility for their online safety, airlines also play a crucial role in ensuring that passengers can confidently connect to the internet. Airlines should enhance their security measures for onboard Wi-Fi networks, including:
- Educating passengers about the risks associated with connecting to public Wi-Fi networks.
- Regularly updating their Wi-Fi systems to reflect the latest security protocols.
- Providing clear information about authentic network names and potential threats.
Conclusion
The Evil Twin Wi-Fi scam is a timely reminder that, while technology offers incredible connectivity, it also opens the door to numerous cyber threats. As the world adapts to the new normal of air travel, staying informed and vigilant is essential to protecting our data. Remember to check the legitimacy of any network before connecting, use a VPN whenever possible, and remain cautious of what information you share online. After all, the sky might be the limit, but that doesn’t mean your online safety should take a backseat.