Mystery Wi-Fi network aboard flight raises ‘unusual’alarm about travelers’information

ADelta Air Linesflight from Las Vegas to Atlanta on Monday, Aug.10, was disrupted for a period of time after an unauthorized Wi-Fi network appeared onboard — prompting the crew to shut down the aircraft’s internet service.

“Safety of flightwas never in question and no aircraft operating systems were affected,” Delta said.

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“We are fully investigating to gather a complete set of facts, which will take time.We will partner with federal law enforcement and aviation regulators to ensure the incident is thoroughly investigated,” the airline said. 

“We thank our crew for their professionalism and our customers for their understanding.”

As the situation unfolded, cabin crew members turned off the aircraft’s Wi-Fi functionality for approximately 30 minutes, according to Delta Air Lines.(Robert Smith/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

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As the situation unfolded, cabin crew members turned off the aircraft’s Wi-Fi functionality for about 30 minutes, according to Delta.

No emergency was declared by air traffic control.The flight continued on to Atlanta.

The unusual incident has raised questions about what travelers should watch for whenconnecting to Wi-Fithousands of feet in the air.

Delta confirmed that none of its systems were hacked, including the in-flight Wi-Fi, and that no aircraft operating systems were affected.(iStock)

“I think that the unauthorized network appearing on a commercial flight is pretty unusual,” Abbamonte said.“I’m hoping this is not a sign of things to come.”

Social media posts about the incident claimed arogue networkcalled “Delta WiFi Fast” appeared onboard.The posts also said several passengers onboard had attended a cybersecurity conference in Las Vegas.

Abbamonte said that when passengers are on a flight, it’s easy to get confused about networks.

“I think the passengers are vulnerable on an airplane because they’re a captive audience,” he said.

Social media posts about the recent incident claimed an unauthorized Wi-Fi network called “Delta WiFi Fast” had appeared onboard.(iStock)

He encouraged travelers to connect only to the Wi-Fi network identified by their airline.He also said carriers could help by making the correct network name clear to passengers.

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“I think the airlines need to make an announcement.When the flight attendants go over the safety demonstration and all that stuff — they should add that for thisparticular plane route, this is the official Wi-Fi network that you should join and don’t join any others,” Abbamonte said, expressing his opinion.

He also said he believed that Delta’s decision to temporarily disable its Wi-Fi was an appropriate response while the crew dealt with the situation.

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Despite the incident, Abbamonte said he would still feel comfortable connecting to Wi-Fi while flying.

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“I would just double-check to make sure you’re on the right network,” he said.