Is Airport WiFi Safe?

No, using public WiFi in airports is not safe because you could unknowingly be sharing your private data with a cybercriminal. Because public networks are unsecured and airports are filled with people on the go, cybercriminals frequently target them to steal sensitive information and gain access to victims’ online accounts.

Continue reading to learn what is so dangerous about using airport WiFi and how to stay safe if you do need to use it while traveling.

The risks of using airport WiFi

Although it may be convenient to use airport WiFi when you are sitting at a gate for your flight, there are many risks involved with using public airport WiFi.

Lack of adequate protection

Airports see thousands of different people each day, and anyone can connect to public airport WiFi networks. Since people are traveling from all over the world, you can never be sure of someone’s intentions when they connect to public WiFi. Someone in the next gate over might be a hacker waiting for you to connect to the public airport WiFi. Because the public WiFi in airports is unprotected, you run the risk of connecting to it and having your private information stolen by cybercriminals.

Malware

Public WiFi usage makes your information vulnerable to anyone with malicious intent. Hackers could be hiding in plain sight and can install malware onto your device without you even being aware. Malware can infect your device if you click on a phishing message, go to a spoofed website or download malicious files or apps on the internet. When you use public WiFi networks like those available at airports, you jeopardize the safety of your private information and data.

Man-in-the-Middle (MITM) attacks

Man-in-the-Middle (MITM) attacks involve a cybercriminal intercepting the data sent between two people. The goal of MITM attacks is to steal private or sensitive data, such as financial information. As the name suggests, the middleman in this scheme is the cybercriminal who will manipulate public WiFi networks to intercept traffic and collect private data. By connecting to unsecured airport WiFi networks, you greatly increase your risk of being targeted by MITM attacks, since anyone can sign on and intercept web traffic.

Router hacking

When a cybercriminal hacks a WiFi router, they can gain control of the internet data and install malware, which would affect anyone else who is connected to the network. If a hacker did this for airport WiFi and you connected to the public network, your device would run the risk of becoming infected with malware since the hacker controls the router.

How to stay safe when using airport WiFi

Despite the potential risks of using public airport WiFi, there are still some safe ways to use airport WiFi if necessary without compromising the safety of your devices. However, the safest way to stay connected while at the airport is by using your mobile hotspot instead of using airport WiFi. If you do not have a mobile hotspot, here are some more tips on how to stay safe when you need to use airport WiFi.

Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN)

To protect your privacy online when on a public network, use a Virtual Private Network (VPN). A VPN encrypts your internet connection and allows you to use public WiFi safely by creating an extra layer of security. VPNs prevent cybercriminals from collecting your private information if they take control of a public WiFi network. 

Don’t log in to sensitive accounts

While you’re at the airport or using any other kind of public WiFi, refrain from logging in to your sensitive accounts. Since you never know if a public WiFi network has been compromised, the last thing you want to do is check on your bank account while connected to airport WiFi, as this could give a hacker access to your financial information. 

Ensure your online accounts are secure

Protect your private information by ensuring your online accounts have strong passwords and  Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) enabled everywhere it’s available. A password is considered strong if it has at least 16 characters consisting of a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers and symbols. By using strong and unique passwords for all your online accounts, you will make it more challenging for cybercriminals to gain access to your private information.

MFA is another option to add additional security to your online accounts. The goal of MFA is to require an extra form of identification to verify your identity, such as a fingerprint, your geographic location or a unique answer to a security question, among other options. When you enable MFA on your accounts, you will be protecting your accounts from cybercriminals even if they have your login credentials because they will need to provide the additional information that only you know.

You could also use a passkey, which does not require a password, but instead is a form of MFA. A passkey is an authenticator that’s tied to a specific device or your password manager, and it uses a PIN, swipe pattern or even biometric information to confirm your identity. Think about certain apps that might require your face ID; if you have your device and it recognizes your face, it will allow you into the app. Passkeys make your online accounts more secure because cybercriminals cannot phish or steal passkeys the same way they can steal a password.

Install antivirus software on your device

You can protect your device and private information by installing antivirus software. Antivirus software scans your device, detects malware or viruses and removes them before they can infect your device. Since antivirus software has its own database of known viruses, it will scan and compare your device’s information with known viruses. If it finds a match, it will delete the virus from your device. It is incredibly helpful to have antivirus software installed on your device to prevent malware from infecting your device through public WiFi networks.

Keep your data protected when traveling

Traveling is stressful enough without worrying about the safety of your devices and private data. Don’t put your personal information in danger by connecting to public airport WiFi. Instead, rely on your mobile hotspot, use a VPN, install antivirus software and create strong passwords to keep your online accounts safe.

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