The risks of using Wi-Fi on airplanes and how to avoid them

For passengers, access to Wi-Fi during a flight provides additional convenience, but it is important to be aware of the risks associated with using the internet. You should take precautions to minimize the risk of cyber threats.

Experts say that the risks associated with using Wi-Fi in flight cannot be ignored. For example, in-flight Wi-Fi networks are considered "insecure," as reported by India TV News.

In particular, there is a possibility that cybercriminals could target them and steal your personal information if you surf the internet while flying. Information such as sensitive data, including your bank account details, email IDs, passwords, and social media credentials, could be compromised.

Additionally, by using unsecured Wi-Fi, you expose your phone to viruses and malware. Therefore, passengers are advised to consider avoiding using Wi-Fi on an airplane. Moreover, the service is expensive, and the connection is often unreliable and unstable.

However, if you need to connect, users are advised to avoid conducting sensitive transactions, such as checking your bank balance or logging into email accounts.

It is also recommended to use a virtual private network (VPN). By using a VPN, users can add an extra layer of security to their device, protecting them from unwanted issues while using Wi-Fi. However, it is not 100 percent reliable and may be interrupted during the flight.

Users should exercise caution regarding the websites they visit while using Wi-Fi on an airplane, as the information provided during the flight can be tracked. Stick to activities that do not compromise the device's privacy, such as reading from Kindle, downloading books or content, and watching movies.

It should be noted that during the flight, the plane connects to Wi-Fi using cell towers or satellites, depending on the location.

Read also why it is considered the best option to travel in a motorhome. Learn more about the benefits of motorhomes in TravelWise.