The security of WiFi on airplanes can vary depending on the airline and the specific WiFi service being used. WiFi is not the only way your data is at risk. People can look at sensitive information on your device screens, and they can capture data from QR codes on boarding passes whether they are printed or displayed on a screen using an app.
Table of contents
Can hackers access your data on airplanes?
The short answer is yes. They can access it over WiFi, Bluetooth, and radio frequency (RF).
How secure is WiFi data?
Most airlines in-flight WiFi, which is provided by third-party companies that specialize in this technology, such as GoGo and Thales over the United States, and ViaSat mainly over the United States and Europe. Panasonic provides a global service. iPass provides access to WiFi hot spots in more than 180 countries and includes airplane WiFi, but is marketed to companies rather than individuals. The WiFi providers used vary by airline and in the same airline may differ according to the destinations.
WiFi services on planes flying over land generally use cell towers and provide air-to-ground WiFi. Planes access satellite connections while flying over areas where cell towers are sparse or not available, such as flying over the ocean. For a detailed and excellent explanation, read Airplane Wi-Fi: How It Works, Airline Availability, Fees & More.
These services are essentially a form of public WiFi.
Keep in mind that no system is completely foolproof and hackers can find a way around most safeguards. Always consider the risk of cyber attacks or data breaches to best protect your privacy and your data. Some older in-flight WiFi systems may have weaker security measures than newer systems.
To help mitigate any risks, there are several steps you can take to improve the security of your online activities while using in-flight WiFi:
1. Use a virtual private network (VPN)
A VPN can help encrypt your internet traffic and keep your online activities private from other users on the airplane’s network.
PCMag has rated the following among the top VPN services:
- Proton VPN
- NordVPN
- SurfShark
- TunnelBear
- CyberGhost VPN
- ExpressVPN
- Private Internet Access VPN
- IVPN
- Mullvad VPN
- Mozilla VPN
2. Avoid accessing sensitive information
Try to avoid accessing sensitive information such as bank accounts, credit cards, or personal information while connected to in-flight WiFi.
3. Keep your software up-to-date
Make sure your device’s software and security programs are up-to-date to protect against potential security vulnerabilities.
4. Disable automatic WiFi connections
Make sure to disable automatic WiFi connections on your device to prevent accidentally connecting to unsecured networks.
Overall, while the security of in-flight WiFi is generally considered to be relatively secure, it’s always important to take precautions to protect your online activities and personal information.
When you’re on a plane’s WiFi, can other passengers see your computer files?
Mostly, other passengers on a plane’s WiFi cannot see your computer files, as long as you have taken the necessary precautions to secure your device and network connection, such as using a VPN.
Additionally, it’s important to make sure that your device’s sharing settings are turned off, so that other devices on the network cannot access your files. You should also avoid accessing sensitive information or logging into accounts that require a password while connected to a public WiFi network, as these activities can put your personal information at risk.
You have to sign on to the WiFi before deploying VPN. Can hackers see your computer files before VPN starts up?
It is possible for hackers to intercept your internet traffic and potentially access your computer files if you are not using a VPN when connecting to a public WiFi network. This is because public WiFi networks are often unsecured, which means that any data transmitted over them is visible to anyone on the same network.
Security experts such as Norton recommend that you don’t use airplane WiFi, while others, recommend that you take strong precautions, e.g., The Parallax View and techco: 7 Ways to Avoid Getting Hacked Via Public In-Flight WiFi. I didn’t think of using two of techco’s suggestions, Lock your browser’s url, and Forget the network, though I have used these in other situations. Yet others say that any public WiFi is not an issue.
Further, the risk of someone accessing your computer files before you can deploy a VPN is relatively low, as long as you take some basic precautions. For example, you should avoid connecting to public WiFi networks that are unsecured or have weak passwords, as these are more vulnerable to hacking attempts.
Additionally, you can use antivirus and firewall software to help protect your device from unauthorized access. And once you have connected to a public WiFi network, you should immediately deploy a VPN to encrypt your internet traffic and protect your online privacy.
By taking these precautions, you can reduce the risk of hackers accessing your computer files and help keep your personal information safe while using public WiFi networks.
Bluetooth and Radio Frequency (RF) are also gateways to your devices
You may forget that your Bluetooth settings are on or you may be using devices such a wireless mouse that uses Bluetooth or portable wireless keyboards that connect to your laptop, or tablet. You can buy small wireless keyboards that can connect to your phone. Some of these peripherals use Bluetooth and some use RF connections. Hackers can intercept these connections, so it is best not to use Bluetooth or RF.
How useful are screen privacy protectors on planes?
Screen privacy protectors, also known as privacy filters, are designed to limit the viewing angles of your device’s screen, making it difficult for people around you to see what you’re doing. This can be a step up from working with printed documents or generating handwritten notes, which can be harder to keep private on a crowded plane.
Using a screen privacy protector on a plane can be useful if you’re concerned about others around you seeing sensitive or confidential information on your screen. It can also help to reduce glare and reflections on your screen, making it easier for you to see what’s on your screen in bright lighting conditions.
However, it’s important to note that screen privacy protectors are not foolproof and may not completely block the view of your screen from all angles. Additionally, they may make your screen appear dimmer, which could strain your eyes if you’re using your device for an extended period of time.
Overall, using a screen privacy protector on a plane can provide some level of privacy and reduce glare, but it’s important to weigh the potential benefits against any potential drawbacks and consider whether it’s necessary for your particular situation.
Is a printed boarding pass is a gateway to your personal data?
Yes, it can be. Airline tickets have a surprising amount of your personal data. According to an article on Huffington Post, hackers can use the bar code on your boarding pass to get information about you, such as your name and address, phone number, email address, and your full frequent miles account number, and possibly what your secret questions are. Then, searching online they may find your mother’s maiden name and on social media, the kinds of information that may be the answers to your secret questions.
Identity thieves may be able to use this information to call the airline or to reset your password. In the article, they advised that you should rather use your mobile phone board pass than a printed one. You should never leave your printed boarding pass on a plane or visible where a hacker might scan the code.
Conclusion
On a plane, you are in a public place and on their WiFi you are on public WiFi. If you are using peripheral devices such as a wireless mouse or keyboard, you may be using radio frequency or Bluetooth connection to your laptop, tablet or phone. While the chances of being hacked on a plane are really low, there are a few precautions you can take to make the chances of being hacked even lower, such as not logging into sensitive personal sites, such as your bank account.
Using a screen protector and being aware that you are in a public space, you can minimize others seeing your personal or business information.
Awareness that your boarding pass contains more information than you might expect can help you to protect your personal information.
With a few precautions, you can travel with peace of mind.
