When my husband and I were on a very long flight last year, he leaned over and asked, “I want to check our Morgan Stanley account. Do you think it's okay to do this with Airplane Wi-Fi? “
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How did we live without Wi-Fi on a plane? Oh, yes, we read magazines! Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but your Wi-Fi isn't as protected as we would hope. Don't be afraid. I have some tips on protecting yourself and surfing safely in the sky.
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In the air
Hackers use all kinds of skittish tactics to hijack your privacy during a flight. One thing in their favor: VPNs are more likely to fall in the air and out of the ground. (More on that below.)
Without that layer of protection, Cyber criminals using The same carrier WiFi can easily take advantage of your devices, access your information, and spread malware.

Here are some tips for surfing the web safely from the sky. (iStock)
“S” for security: Only visit encrypted sites – those that start with “HTTPS” (that “S” is important!). In general, this prevents a hacker from viewing your activity on a particular site, such as the password or credit card number you typed.
Beware of Airdrop: Keyloggers track everything you type, and criminals love to pass them along Apple's Airdrop feature. Do not accept drops from strangers during the flight. Steps here to disable or limit Airdrop If you need help.
Name game: Scammers can create almost entirely fake Wi-Fi networks match Names of the airline. If you're not careful, you can connect to the CopyCat network instead of the legitimate one.
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Sky high safety
I know you won't completely skip Wi-Fi. That's fine, just be smart about it.
Update everything: Before you hit the road, make sure your phone, computer, tablet, smart watch and any other connected devices are running the latest software. Steps here for Windows, Mac, iPhone and Android. Updates often include critical security patches that protect against new threats. Don't forget to update your apps too.
Add a layer of security: A virtual private network (VPN) encrypts your Internet connection. Before accessing anything sensitive, like your email, online banking accounts, or shopping, turn on a VPN. Check its status to ensure your connection is actively protected. It should be displayed as “Connected” or “Secured”.

Although VPNs are an easy way to secure your internet connection from the ground, they are often bulkier — and in turn, less effective — when in the air. (iStock)
Check names. If you notice multiple Wi-Fi networks with similar names, check with airline staff and confirm the correct networks.
Use 2FA: For any linked account Financial information or personal details, two-factor authentication is a must. This adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second verification step, such as a code sent to your phone or email, after you enter your password. Set this up for all accounts with relationships to your funds to reduce the risk of unauthorized access.
Secure your devices. Invest in antivirus and malware protection, and keep your devices physically safe. Avoid leaving your phone, tablet, or laptop unattended, even for a moment.
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Bonus: Don't post photos of your boarding pass or other travel documents
You're excited, waiting for the plane. What's the harm in posting a photo of your boarding pass? a lot. Boarding passes display your full legal name, ticket number and passenger name history. This six-digit code plus your last name gives anyone access to your online reservation information.
The same goes for your license, passport, visa or other identity documents. Thieves keep an eye out for any details they can use.
Save these photos on your phone before vacation. Scroll to number 3. You'll thank me if you miss something.
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