Delta Investigates Alleged Rogue Wi-Fi Network on Flight 591
Summary
Delta is investigating a report that a passenger created a fake Wi-Fi network on flight 591, prompting the crew to disable Wi-Fi for about 30 minutes. Delta said aircraft systems and flight safety were unaffected.
Key points
- ACARS messages reportedly said a passenger set up a network named “Delta WiFi Fast” and was trying to scam passengers.
- Delta said the crew disabled the aircraft’s Wi-Fi for about 30 minutes; the flight was delayed.
- Delta said no aircraft operating systems were affected and flight safety was never in question.
- The FBI and FAA said they were aware of the incident; Delta said it would work with federal law enforcement and aviation regulators.
- The article describes the suspected tactic as an evil twin attack, which can impersonate a trusted Wi-Fi network; it does not report evidence that passenger data was stolen.
- DEF CON’s press lead said the conference also experienced similar Wi-Fi deauthentication attacks.
Article Details
- Victim Organization
- Delta Airlines
- Incident Type
- Alleged rogue Wi-Fi network spoofing resembling an evil twin attack
- Operational Impact
- The crew deactivated the aircraft’s Wi-Fi for approximately 30 minutes, and the incident caused severe delays. Delta said no aircraft operating systems were affected and flight safety was never in question.
- Ransom Or Extortion
- None reported
- Claim Status
- alleged