Air Travel Risks in Europe: How "Evil Twin" Wi-Fi Threatens Your Data

By Ivan PetrenkoSep 13, 2024 15:35 PMNews
Share:
Smartphone showing Wi-Fi and airplane mode settings
Public Wi-Fi on flights may compromise data security. Source: unsplash

With the increasing number of flights across Europe, passengers often rely on Wi-Fi in airports and on planes for work or entertainment. However, recent incidents in Australia have raised concerns about the security of public networks. In one such case, a 42-year-old man was arrested, accused of setting up fake Wi-Fi networks to steal passengers' personal information.

How "Evil Twin" Wi-Fi Works

The criminal used a method called "evil twin" Wi-Fi—fake networks designed to look identical to legitimate ones, such as those in airports, hotels, or even airplanes. These networks exploit the fact that devices automatically reconnect to known networks. Passengers on board planes unknowingly connected to the fake Wi-Fi, believing it to be the airport's legitimate network. Once connected, the criminal prompted users to log in with their social media or email credentials, gaining access to sensitive personal information.

European Authorities’ Response

While the "evil twin" Wi-Fi incident occurred in Australia, it has captured the attention of airports worldwide, including those in Europe. Some airports have already indicated that they are aware of the issue and are monitoring the situation to ensure passenger safety when using public Wi-Fi networks.

How to Protect Yourself from "Evil Twin" Wi-Fi Threats

To stay safe when connecting to public Wi-Fi networks, European cybersecurity experts recommend the following:

  • Disable automatic Wi-Fi connections after using a public network to prevent your device from automatically reconnecting to a potentially dangerous network.
  • Install a VPN (virtual private network) on your device. A VPN encrypts your internet traffic, making it much harder for hackers to access your data.
  • Keep Wi-Fi turned off until needed. This reduces the risk of connecting to unsafe networks.

These simple steps can help European passengers protect their data and reduce the risks associated with public Wi-Fi when traveling.

Top Articles
Not Just a Suitcase: My Personal Checklist for Smart Travelers in 2025

Not Just a Suitcase: My Personal Checklist for Smart Travelers in 2025

Mar 3, 2025 18:00 PM
Practical Eco-Friendly Travel Solutions for Sustainable Tourism

Practical Eco-Friendly Travel Solutions for Sustainable Tourism

Feb 14, 2025 15:00 PM

Top Tips for Securing Your Luggage and Preventing Loss

Feb 7, 2025 14:00 PM

Your Guide to Hand Luggage and Baggage Rules

Feb 4, 2025 20:00 PM
More News
Person speaking into a megaphone during a public demonstration

Strike at Helsinki Airport to Disrupt Finnair Flights, Thousands to Face Travel Changes

Jun 30, 2025 20:38 PM
Modern hotel room with bed, sofa, and large windows

Berlin Becomes the Newest Dot on Dalata’s European Journey

Jun 30, 2025 18:23 PM

Transavia Replaces Boeing with New Jet on Mallorca Route

Jun 29, 2025 22:49 PM

European Food Halls Become Essential Travel Destinations

Jun 29, 2025 20:36 PM
Close-up of a Scandinavian Airlines aircraft parked on the tarmac at sunset

Direct Flights Between Copenhagen and Nuuk Resume After Two Decades, Opening New Arctic Travel Opportunities

Jun 28, 2025 21:22 PM
Electric Lumo train moving on railway tracks in the UK

New Slow Travel Trend Offers Different Way to Discover the UK

Jun 28, 2025 19:48 PM
LOT Polish Airlines aircraft preparing to land

LOT Adds Direct Flights Connecting Gdańsk to Istanbul’s Historic Core

Jun 28, 2025 17:35 PM
Multiple trains approach a busy London rail junction under a canopy of signals

Travel Disruption Expected on London Rail Lines 3 July

Jun 28, 2025 15:21 PM
Air Corsica aircraft wing above the clouds during flight

New Direct Flights Between Nice and Florence Open Up Easier Travel Across the Mediterranean

Jun 28, 2025 13:47 PM

Steady Travel Through Wales: T4 Changes Operator in September

Jun 28, 2025 00:34 AM

Montreal, Toronto, Niagara Falls Set for Centrally Located Hotel Openings

Jun 27, 2025 21:28 PM
Air Canada aircraft in flight approaching landing

New Direct Montréal–Edinburgh Flight Opens Summer City-to-City Travel

Jun 27, 2025 19:45 PM
Workers in safety gear repairing railway tracks with heavy equipment

Temporary Closure of Picerno Station Alters Train Routes in Southern Italy

Jun 27, 2025 17:32 PM
Ryanair Boeing 737 aircraft in flight against clear blue sky

Ryanair Unveils New Direct Winter Routes from Gothenburg, Boosting Travel Choices to Southern Europe

Jun 27, 2025 15:29 PM
Cozy hotel room with warm lighting and decorative wall art

New Hotels in Jeddah to Boost Travel Convenience Near King Abdullah Sports City

Jun 27, 2025 13:46 PM

Adelaide Gains Direct Flights to Bali, Unlocking Wider Asian Travel Options

Jun 27, 2025 05:33 AM

Travel to South Wales in July disrupted by rail changes

Jun 26, 2025 22:24 PM
Jet2holidays aircraft taxiing on runway

New Direct Flights to La Palma Expand UK–Canaries Access

Jun 26, 2025 20:41 PM
Train platforms and GWR trains at London Paddington station

Mobile Signal Returns to Key Train Routes

Jun 26, 2025 18:37 PM
Empty departure board at Helsinki Airport terminal during operational disruption

Finnair Warns of Major Travel Disruptions During July Airport Strikes

Jun 26, 2025 13:25 PM
Flydubai aircraft taxiing on runway at airport

flydubai Reopens Key Damascus Route, Expanding Travel Options in the Middle East

Jun 26, 2025 02:42 AM
Hotel room with a large bed, two lamps, and window curtains

New Hotel Opens in Tromsø Near Harbour as Travel Grows

Jun 26, 2025 00:38 AM

SAS Reopens Copenhagen–Mumbai Route After 17-Year Gap

Jun 25, 2025 22:21 PM

Canopy by Hilton Opens in Revitalized Longkloof District of Cape Town

Jun 25, 2025 20:47 PM
Emirates Airbus A380 flying against a cloudy sky

Etihad Begins Airbus A380 Flights to Toronto Increasing Capacity for Travelers

Jun 25, 2025 18:36 PM
Minimalist hotel room with natural light and modern decor

Hotel Opposite Haymarket: A New Stopover Spot in Festival Edinburgh

Jun 25, 2025 16:52 PM