Be careful with false wi-fi networks that steal their data when traveling

Earlier this year, Australian police arrested a passenger to execute a malicious Wi-Fi network both at an airport and during a flight. The configuration looked like the airline’s Wi-Fi service, but it was not. On the other hand, it was what cybersecurity researchers call an “evil twin,” a false access point designed to deceive people to deliver their credentials.

The idea is not new, but the configuration is. For years, false Wi-Fi networks have been a common trick in coffees, hotels and airports. What makes this case stand out is that the attacker took him to the heavens, exploiting the growing Wi-Fi dependence in flight for entertainment and internet access.

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What is an evil twin wi-fi attack?

An evil twin access point is a wireless network that pretends to be a legitimate copying its name, also known as the SSID. When there are several networks with the same name, your portable phone or computer is often connected to the one with the strongest signal, which is usually that of the attacker.

Once connected, victims are often redirected to a false login or a destination page. In this case, the malicious portal requested the email addresses of passengers, passwords or even social media credentials under the pretext of granting access to the airline entertainment system. Stolen information could be used for accounts acquisitions, identity theft or additional attacks.

Why traveling Wi-Fi is a main objective

The trip creates a perfect storm for this type of attack. Whether it is in a hotel, airport, cruise or plane, it often has limited options to connect. Mobile data can be irregular or expensive, which pushes people to the available Wi-Fi networks. Because these services feel officers and are linked to trusted brands, travelers tend to assume that they are safe and go down when the login requests appear.

Another trend adds to risk. Travel providers are increasingly entertaining and services on personal devices instead of offering integrated options. Airlines replace backup screens with transmission portals, cruise lines promote applications-based services and hotels direct guests to Digital Check-In Platforms. All this requires a Wi-Fi connection, which means that more people are starting session than ever.

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How hackers are deceiving you with false wi-fi in flight

This is how it worked in the Australian case. The attacker wore a portable access point on board and appointed him to match the official Wi-Fi network of the airline. Passengers, seeing the false network with a stronger signal force, automatically connected. They were then taken to a counterfeit login page asking for personal data.

On a flight, the consequences are amplified. Passengers yield and share data or lose access to entertainment for hours. The success rate of this attack is literally very high.

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Why does a VPN need for Wi-Fi safety in flight

One of the best defenses against Rogue Wi-Fi is a virtual private network or VPN. A VPN creates a tunnel encrypted between its device and the Internet, which makes it much more difficult for attackers to intercept their data even if it connects to the incorrect access point.

However, there is a trap. Wi-Fi systems in flight often require temporarily disabled VPN to access the on-board portal. Even then, a VPN is still an important safeguard. Once you have cleaned the login page and, if you have paid, connected to the Internet, enable your VPN ensures that any navigation traffic, messages or applications are private.

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9 tips for using Wi-Fi safely

A VPN is important, but it is not the only defense you must trust. Here are some other ways to stay safe when connecting in the air:

1) Install strong antivirus software

Before thinking about connecting to Wi-Fi in flight, make sure your device has a strong antivirus installed. It is its first line of defense against malicious sites and applications that attackers can try to cross false portals. This protection can also alert it to the PHISHING Electronic Correos and Ransomware scams, maintaining their personal information and their safe digital assets.

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2) Enable two factors (2FA) authentication

Even if an attacker manages to steal his login credentials, 2fa You can prevent you from entering your accounts. Use application -based authenticators instead of SMS codes whenever possible, since they work outside line and are more difficult to intercept.

3) Turn off automatic Wi-Fi connections

Most portable phones and computers are configured to automatically connect to family networks. This makes it easier for a false access point with the same name to deceive your device. Before addressing, turn off the automatic connection and manually choose the Wi-Fi of the correct airline.

4) Use HTTPS everywhere

When sailing on the flight, check the lock icon in the direction bar of your browser. HTTPS encrypts the connection between your device and the website, which makes it difficult for the attackers to be public Wi-Fi to intercept their data.

5) Limit to what access

Even with precautions, Wi-Fi in flight should be treated as not reliable. Avoid session in confidential accounts such as banking or online work systems. Paste navigation, transmission or courier of light until it returns to a safe connection.

6) Keep your updated device

Obsolete operating systems and applications often have security holes that attackers exploit. Before your trip, install the latest updates on your phone, tablet or laptop. Many updates include security patches that protect it against known vulnerabilities.

7) Use the airplane mode with Wi-Fi

When possible, change your device to the plane mode and then enable only Wi-Fi. This reduces the exposure of other radios (such as Bluetooth or cell roaming) that attackers sometimes go to flights.

8) Observe the emerging phishing windows and avoid suspicious clicks

Some false portals in flight use emerging windows or redirects designed to deceive it to enter login details or by clicking malicious links. If a page requests unnecessary information, such as its full social security number, bank details or unrelated session latest, bring it as a red flag. Close the page immediately and do not click.

9) Session closure after using

When the flight ends, firm outside the airline’s wi-fi portal and any account to access. This avoids the kidnapping of the session if the system keeps the tokens stored in cache.

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Kurt key takeway

The emergence of evil twin attacks in the air is a reminder that convenience often comes with hidden risks. As the airlines push more passengers towards Wi-Fi in flight, the attackers are finding ways to exploit that dependence. The next time I fly, think twice before blindly connecting to the first Wi-Fi network that appears. Sometimes, the safest option is to stay offline until it lands.

Do you prefer to go a few hours offline than risk using an unreliable access point in the air? Get us knowing in Cyberguy.com.

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