With so many people connecting to airport Wi-Fi networks every day, it’s natural to worry about your safety. We don’t recommend using Wi-Fi at the airport with no protection, but the good news is that there’s an easy way to keep your connection private.
In this guide, we’ll explain the security risks of airport Wi-Fi and share some tips on how to stay secure while using it.
CyberGhost VPN is the best way to protect your privacy on airport Wi-Fi. It encrypts your data so no one can snoop on you, including other passengers, airport personnel, and even the network administrators. It’s easy to set up and use on your laptop or mobile device, even if you’ve never used a VPN before!
Is It Safe to Use Airport Wi-Fi?
Airport Wi-Fi is a public network, so it is generally not considered safe to use without protection – especially if you’re sending sensitive data across the web, such as account credentials or payment information.
The reason airport Wi-Fi is risky is that it’s typically unsecured, even if you have to log in through the airport website to use it. Malicious third parties can exploit the network’s vulnerabilities and steal your data. Besides, you never know who could be keeping tabs on your online activity at the airport. Even if you’re just scrolling through Instagram or messaging a friend on WhatsApp to pass the time, it should be no one’s business but your own. And if you’re leaving your house empty while traveling abroad, you probably don’t want any random snoop to be able to know that.
What Are the Risks of Using Airport Wi-Fi?
Before you connect to airport Wi-Fi, it’s a good idea to understand the risks. Data theft may not be an everyday occurrence, but if it happens to you, it could ruin your trip abroad. Here are some potential risks of using public Wi-Fi:
Identity Theft
When you connect to an unsecured airport Wi-Fi network, the data you send could be intercepted by a cybercriminal using the same Wi-Fi. This can include sensitive information such as your passport number, payment details, or home address.
Once a cybercriminal gains access to your information, they may use it to open new credit accounts, make purchases, or even commit crimes in your name. This is known as identity theft.
Account Takeovers
Account takeovers happen when someone else gains control of one of your online accounts, such as an email, social media, or bank account, without your permission. They can then use it as if they were you, whether to steal money or pose as you online.
Financial Loss
Both identity theft and account takeovers on public Wi-Fi can lead to financial loss. When you’re using public Wi-Fi at the airport, an additional risk comes into play: if a malicious actor gains access to your travel plans, they could be able to track your home address and break in while you’re away.
How Can a Cybercriminal Steal Your Data on Airport Wi-Fi?
If you’re not using a VPN while you’re connected to airport Wi-Fi, third parties can use a variety of methods to snoop on your connection and steal your data.
Malware
Malware is any software that’s designed to harm your device or steal your information. It can sneak onto your device through infected websites, email attachments, downloads, or even by connecting to unsecured public Wi-Fi networks like the airport.
Cybercriminals can set up fake Wi-Fi hotspots to inject malware into your device without your knowledge. Once on your computer, malware can steal your passwords, spy on your actions, or even lock your files and demand money to unlock them.
Phishing Schemes
Another tactic cybercriminals use to trick people into providing personal information is to create websites that are deceptively similar to legitimate websites where people enter their login details and other credentials. For example, a hacker could create a false airport login page, asking for details like your flight number, email, password, full name, or even credit card details.
Man-in-the-Middle Attacks
When you’re using airport Wi-Fi, a cybercriminal can secretly slip in between your device and the internet. This is called a man-in-the-middle (MitM) attack. The criminal can see what you’re doing online and might even change the information you’re sending or receiving, all without you knowing. They might do this by tricking your device into connecting through their system first, so they can see and even change your data before it reaches the Wi-Fi network.
Evil Twin Wi-Fis
An evil twin is a fake Wi-Fi network set up by a cybercriminal to look like a real, trusted network, like the Wi-Fi at an airport. The hacker gives their fake network a similar name to the legitimate one, hoping users will connect to it by mistake.
When someone connects to this fake network, the criminal can watch everything they do online and view sensitive information like passwords, credit card details, or private messages. Because the fake network looks just like the real one, users often don’t realize they’re being tricked and might unknowingly share their data.
In July 2024, an Australian man was charged by Australia’s Federal Police for allegedly carrying out an evil twin Wi-Fi attack in airports and domestic flights within Australia. According to reports, the man created multiple free Wi-Fi access points with the same name as legitimate Wi-Fi providers across airlines and airports in Perth, Melbourne, and Adelaide. Users attempting to connect to Wi-Fi were directed to a fake login page where they had to provide their email address or social media account details.
How to Keep Your Data Safe When Using Airport Wi-Fi
Use a VPN
A VPN, also known as a virtual private network, is a simple app you can download and install on your device (read more about what a VPN is and how it works). It reroutes your connection through an encrypted tunnel, hiding your traffic so no third parties can see what you’re doing online.
It’s especially important to connect to a VPN when you’re using public Wi-Fi, since these networks are typically unsecured, and cybercriminals could be waiting to steal your data.
CyberGhost has a handy Wi-Fi protection feature that lets you opt to have it connect to the VPN automatically whenever you connect to an unrecognized Wi-Fi network. This way, you don’t have to worry about forgetting to reconnect to the VPN while you’re at a different airport on your layover.
Try it risk-free with a 45-day money-back guarantee.
Connect to a Secure Wi-Fi Network
A common tactic cybercriminals use at airports involves setting up malicious Wi-Fi networks, often with names that closely mimic that of the official airport Wi-Fi.
Before connecting to any network at the airport, verify the airport’s official Wi-Fi network name. Airports generally make this information readily available on signs throughout the airport. By verifying the official airport Wi-Fi network, you’ll significantly reduce your risk of falling victim to cyber threats. If you’re in doubt, be extra sure to use a VPN at the airport to keep your traffic encrypted.
Visit Websites That Use HTTPS
To protect your information, always ensure that the websites you visit have “HTTPS” in the address bar. This stands for Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure. This means the site is secure, and it scrambles your data so hackers can’t easily see or steal it.
If you can’t find HTTPS in the address bar, look for a padlock icon before the website’s URL.
This icon is a visual indicator that the site you’re on uses HTTPS.
Avoid Clicking on Random Pop-Ups, Ads, or Suspicious Links
Sophisticated cyber attackers can plant pop-up ads on real airport websites. Clicking these ads can be risky – you might download harmful malware onto your device or be sent to a fake website that steals your personal information. To stay safe, it’s best to avoid clicking on random pop-ups and ads.
CyberGhost VPN’s content blocker feature not only blocks some types of ads, but also detects and blocks malicious websites so you don’t visit them accidentally.
Avoid Sensitive Transactions
Accessing banking websites, making purchases online, or entering sensitive personal information like bank account details and credit card numbers over public Wi-Fi networks can expose you to numerous risks.
If you need to perform a transaction while you’re connected to an airport Wi-Fi network, using a VPN is essential. It encrypts all your data and keeps cybersnoops away from your private information.
Is In-Flight Wi-Fi Safe to Use?
In-flight Wi-Fi comes with the same risks as airport Wi-Fi. Although cybersecurity incidents are rare, they can still happen, so it’s important to stay cautious and protect yourself while traveling. You never know when an airline is keeping tabs on your online activity or for what reason – a VPN can help you protect your personal privacy.
What to Do If You’ve Been Hacked on Airport Wi-Fi
While it’s definitely a daunting thought, the first thing to do if you’ve been hacked over airport Wi-Fi is to try and stay calm so you can do the following:
1. Disconnect Your Device from the Wi-Fi Immediately
If you suspect that your device has been compromised, it is crucial to quickly disconnect it from the internet to prevent further unauthorized access. Immediately switch your device to flight mode, and consider keeping it off until your issue has been resolved.
2. Use a Separate Device to Secure Your Accounts
After disconnecting your device from the internet, use a different device to update all account information and change your passwords. Remember to carefully monitor your accounts for any unauthorized activity following a security breach. If you’ve used a credit card or debit card over the airport Wi-Fi network, it’s important to freeze the card and notify your credit card company.
3. Report Any Compromised Accounts
Make sure to report any compromised accounts on different platforms to the appropriate parties. For instance, report any suspicious activity on Instagram to Meta, and report any issues with your bank directly to them. They should have the right tools to assist you and help you get your account back.
4. Inform Airport Staff or the Relevant Authorities
While you may be hesitant to do so, reaching out to airport staff is the right move to resolve your issue and help protect others. Airport personnel might not have the technical means to solve your problem directly, but their knowledge about the right channels and authorities can be invaluable. By alerting them, they could refer you to the relevant cybersecurity or law enforcement agencies specializing in such matters.
Stay Safe at All Times on Airport Wi-Fi
It’s always best to use a VPN if you need to use any public Wi-Fi network, whether that’s at the airport, on a plane, or at your accommodation. It’s the easiest and fastest way to protect yourself while you’re on the go.
CyberGhost VPN can secure your data and hide your real IP address, making it harder for third parties to track your activity or even determine your location. Try it risk-free with a 45-day money-back guarantee.
FAQs
Yes, Wi-Fi at airports is usually free. However, like other free Wi-Fi networks, it’s not always safe. It’s a good idea to use a VPN to protect your privacy on these networks.
When you connect to public Wi-Fi at the airport, your data is exposed, and you have no way of knowing who might be snooping on your connection. To protect your privacy, especially on public networks, you should always use a VPN.
Absolutely, and it’s recommended! While airport Wi-Fi can pose various security risks, VPN encryption protects and secures your data so no one can see your online activity.
Most public Wi-Fi networks are unsecured, so it’s not a good idea to use them for banking, unless you’re taking the appropriate precautions. Get CyberGhost VPN and connect to a secure server before you log in to any banking app or website.
Using a VPN while traveling can provide you with multiple benefits. It encrypts your connection to boost your online security, which is especially important on public Wi-Fi networks at hotels, airports, and cafes. Since a VPN masks your IP address, it can also help you access websites and streaming services that might be blocked outside your home country.
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