Beware Airport WiFi Internet Access

By Nick January 10, 2007

laptop Lifehacker had a great post awhile back warning travelers of the dangers posed from using free Wi-fi internet at airports around the nation. In JFK International’s Jet Blue terminal, Jet Blue is kind enough to set up a free Wi-fi network for its customers. Unfortunately, as in many other instances, this lead to someonesetting up their own rogue wireless networks using the free network to extract sensitive information from surfers.

When wi-fi users attempted to connect to the wireless connection in this particular Jet Blue terminal, there were two options available: “Default” and “JetBlue free hotspot.” It turned out, the dangerous, rogue network set up was the one cleverly labeled “JetBlue free hotspot.”

So while traveling, be very skeptical about the free wireless internet signals offered in airport terminals. If there’s any doubt in the security of the wi-fi, just don’t use it. These bogus networks set up by phishers evidently occur very often in free airport hot spots.

(On a sidenote, JFK also offers Wi-fi in Terminals 1, 8, and 9)

Topics: Budget Travel Tips, Travel Gear |