JetBlue Announces Fast And Free In-Flight Wi-Fi. Advantages Are Plentiful - But Are There Also Any Risks?

NordVPN explains some security issues with in-flight Wi-Fi, and describes safety measures to protect travelers’ privacy

 JetBlue has announced that it will provide free satellite Wi-Fi, called Fly-Fi, on all of its local flights. According to the company spokesman, it’s 2017 and it’s impossible to ignore the fact that people “expect to be connected everywhere.”

Worldwide, there are currently more than 70 airlines that offer on-board Wi-Fi – but none of them have offered a free Wi-Fi connection up until now.  In-flight Wi-Fi is typically known for being slow and expensive. JetBlue is hoping to change that by launching a hotspot that is free and fast (up to 20 Mbps). This will allow passengers to stream movies, and to use multiple devices at the same time. The connectivity will start at the departure gate and will end upon the arrival gate.

JetBlue’s move towards free and fast Internet is an exciting development. However, it brings attention to another factor: the privacy and security of any public Wi-Fi network.

While the threats of the usual open Wi-Fi are already well known, the security issues of an in-flight Internet connection are still somewhat obscure.

First, there's no password protection on the Wi-Fi connection, so anyone could potentially intercept personal data that’s being transmitted on a wireless network. Airplanes are unique hacking grounds – more dangerous than airports or coffee shops, as they cram passengers in one small space for hours. This gives plenty of time and opportunity for hackers to access all data that’s being transmitted over open networks. Passengers who do online banking, shopping or business emailing are especially vulnerable to identity and data theft.

Certain devices can also be misused for hacking purposes – for example, WiFi Pineapple which is small enough to be stored in someone’s carry on, can be used to pose as a Wi-Fi connection – so when a user connects to Wi-Fi, they may actually be connecting to a device that is used to steal their personal information.

How can airplane passengers protect their data?

1. Designate network as Public. First, a traveler gets to designate the Wi-Fi network as Home, Work or Public. Those who choose Home network show that they trust all the people connected to the same network - which should not be the case on an airplane full of strangers. Work network should be used for a private group at work. So the safest option for airplane passengers is Public network setting - as this option is created to make sure it’s not visible by other computers.

2. Avoid fraudulent networks. Secondly, travelers have to make sure they are connecting to the Wi-Fi network offered on the flight, and not a look-a-like network with a similar-sounding name that might be spoofed.

3. Use a VPN. Besides these local precautions, the best and most effective way for any traveler to protect their data is to use a VPN. A professional VPN service encrypts all the traffic flow between the Internet and a device and helps hide an IP address. If you are a beginner, it’s best to choose a VPN that’s user-friendly. For example, NordVPN only requires the user to log in (the first time only) and press the ON button. The app will then choose the fastest server to connect to, in a country of your choice. That’s all it takes to hide your IP address and to start safe browsing. Beware of free VPN service providers that typically rely on third party advertisers to cover the costs. Often, they are free proxy services, marketed as VPNs, when in fact proxies are not encrypted (they just change your IP address, but do not hide/encrypt it).

4. Use other precautions for safe Internet. Besides using a VPN, travelers should use antivirus, firewall and anti-spyware and automatically update their software. In addition, all Internet users are advised against opening links and attachments emailed by unknown senders, and to stay generally vigilant when going online.

To find out more, visit www.nordvpn.com

Is It Risky To Use Airbnb Or Tinder? A Look At Popular Apps Reveals Threats

NordVPN lists privacy safety issues of popular free internet apps, looks at solutions

 Our whole world is on our smartphone: we speed date online with Tinder, and book our overseas pad by using Airbnb,.We have become so accustomed to getting what we want when we want it that we tend to ignore a huge risk that comes with using these digital apps ­ a risk to your online security and privacy.

NordVPN gives a quick overview of major risks that come with using some of the most popular apps, and explains how to avoid them.

AIRBNB

Airbnb has around 60 million users around the world, and about 500,000 people use its services each day. Challenging hotel industry, Airbnb has a dedicated and constantly growing user base.

Problem. From online security perspective, one of the biggest risks of Airbnb service is unsecured Wi-Fi that travelers connect to at their hosts¹ apartments. Most often, these are open Wi-Fi networks that are extremely easy to hack into ­ even more easily than open networks in airports or coffee shops, since open home networks give a chance to the homeowner as well as previous guests to take over the network.

Solution. Use a VPN (Virtual Private Network). VPNs encrypt your internet connection, assuring your privacy and security when surfing the web.. . They are the best security mechanism you can employ to make sure your data is safe. NordVPN is a VPN with advanced military-grade security, and offers fast connection speeds, uses secure encryption protocols, has global coverage and is reasonably priced.

TINDER

Tinder is an extremely popular dating app with around 50 million users around the world and 10 million daily users. The location-based app allows a user to select their ³matches² amongst hundreds or thousands users in their area.

Problem. Tinder has been criticized for displaying user¹s GPS coordinates, and has since replaced it with precise distances, which can still be very revealing of one¹s location. In addition, Tinder keeps users¹ private information even when they deactivate their accounts. A recent research has shown that it is very easy to steal Tinder¹s user information by using a fake profile.

Solution. Be careful how much private information you enter into any app. It¹s advisable to divulge as little personal information as possible.

POKEMON GO

Pokémon Go, the wildly popular computer game is taking the world by storm. It¹s free, exciting, nostalgic and interactive.  Users can download it for free on Android and iOS devices.

Problem. First of all, Pokemon Go requires to login using Google credentials. When users sign in through an Apple device, they must be careful to choose the right permissions not to y give Niantic, the game developer, full access to their Google Drive. If a user gives permission, then Niantic could technically use anyone¹s identity to send emails, share their information or photos. Secondly, since Pokémon Go is not available in every country, it¹s shared through file sharing websites, and can possibly infected with malware. One known variant of the shared version infects Android devices and allows hackers to access them. Hackers can then download user¹s data, steal their identity or banking information, send emails on their behalf and so on.

Solution. Make sure that you give the right permissions when you sign in, and that your Google account has a very strong password. Don¹t download unofficial versions of the game. Don¹t fall for the sites that offer free goodies for your Pokemon Go - they are probably set up by hackers. Additional hints by NordVPN can help Pokemon Go fans enjoy the game safely.

FAKE APPS AND WEBSITES

Problem. Cyber criminals, attracted by huge number of people that use these apps, are known to create websites that look exactly like Tinder, Airbnb or Glow in order to get users¹ personal and financial information,

Solution. The first thing you should always see while making an online payment is whether the payment gateway has an https URL. The Œs¹ in the URL means that it is a secure protocol and your data is encrypted properly. Also, be wary whenever a website requests for more information than is usually required, like your Social Security number or any other kind of personal information. In addition, perhaps the most basic requirement for any online account set up is using strong passwords. Weak passwords make it simple for hackers to break into your account.

For more information about staying safe online, visit NordVPN.