{"id":3485,"date":"2019-02-21T09:00:41","date_gmt":"2019-02-21T17:00:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/socialcatfish.com\/blog\/?p=3485"},"modified":"2019-02-11T12:09:33","modified_gmt":"2019-02-11T20:09:33","slug":"how-safe-is-airport-wifi","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/socialcatfish.com\/scamfish\/how-safe-is-airport-wifi\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Stay Safe While Using Airport Wifi"},"content":{"rendered":"

When you board an airplane, you follow all of the rules. You go through the TSA\u2019s<\/a> (Transportation Security Administration) screening and trust the airline will keep both you and your belongings safe.<\/p>\n

However, what if the WiFi you\u2019re connecting to while you\u2019re waiting for the plane is putting your private information at risk? Imagine arriving at your destination only to find all of your credit cards maxed out and your checking account drained so that you can\u2019t get a rental car!<\/p>\n

How Safe Is Airport Wifi?<\/h2>\n

The main reason why airport WiFi isn\u2019t as secure as you\u2019d expect is that people hope it to be and let down their guard. Since they trust the security of the airline, they falsely believe the airport\u2019s WiFi should be as well! Most airports graciously let users access free WiFi in the airport, while WiFi access on the plane may cost more.<\/p>\n

This means that people about to step onto a plane are checking travel itinerary, their bank accounts for available funds, paying credit card bills, or looking at apps which connect to their private data. Even if you avoid your bank log-in, you might try and order a car through Lyft or Uber or pay for your hotel online.<\/p>\n[aesop_image img=”https:\/\/socialcatfish.com\/scamfish\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/My-Post-10.jpg” panorama=”off” imgwidth=”200″ offset=”200″ align=”center” lightbox=”on” captionposition=”left” revealfx=”off” overlay_revealfx=”off”]\n

Imagine what that same airport looks like to a hacker: Many people are waiting for their airplanes which makes it the perfect spot to inconspicuously park themselves in front of their computer and not have anyone ask any questions!<\/p>\n

Beware of Hotspots<\/strong><\/p>\n

A WiFi hotspot is an accessible area where you can connect wirelessly to a network. A hotspot is often called a \u2018hacker\u2019s honeypot,\u2019 as they can dip into the pool and steal information. This can be done by setting up hotspots that one might think of like the airport\u2019s WiFi. The hacker will typically give the hotspot a generic or misleading name to coax you into connecting! Example, a hacker\u2019s hotspot called: \u201cAirport WiFi.\u201d<\/p>\n

Assume It Isn\u2019t Safe<\/strong><\/p>\n

The best rule of thumb is to assume that what you\u2019re accessing on a public WiFi has the potential to be seen by a hacker. Make sure your SSN and DL numbers are not stored in your phone or online. Do not send anyone credit card details by email. If a log-in appears which asks for private data (supposedly from the airline), do not enter it as it\u2019s more than likely a scam.<\/p>\n[aesop_image img=”https:\/\/socialcatfish.com\/scamfish\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/My-Post-11.jpg” panorama=”off” imgwidth=”200″ offset=”200″ align=”center” lightbox=”on” captionposition=”left” revealfx=”off” overlay_revealfx=”off”]\n

Malware<\/strong><\/p>\n

You won\u2019t always be lucky enough to recognize that your data has been exposed until later. Even after you leave the airport, be on the lookout out for links, webpage redirects, or emails which might be sent by cybercriminals in search of your information.<\/p>\n

What to Do to Stay Safe<\/h2>\n