Is in-flight Wi-Fi secure for healthcare professionals to use?

What was once uninterrupted offline time is now an extension of the workplace where emails are answered mid-flight, patient portals are accessed, and telehealth coordination continues at 35,000 feet. But is in-flight Wi-Fi secure enough for handling sensitive data, such as protected health information (PHI)?

For healthcare professionals, the answer is nuanced but important. While in-flight Wi-Fi enables productivity, it also introduces cybersecurity risks that mirror, and in some cases amplify, those of traditional public networks. Understanding these risks can help healthcare professionals maintain patient privacy and regulatory compliance.

How in-flight Wi-Fi works

To understand the risks, it helps to understand how in-flight connectivity operates.

According to Airport Technology, "There are two ways in which in-flight connectivity can be provided.”

The first option involves using an Air to Ground (ATG) network, where the aircraft connects with the nearest ground-based tower. The downside of using this system is that it has a limited spectrum and functions only over or near land. Consequently, connectivity may be problematic when flying over seas or oceans. Alternatively, the network can be provided for using an antenna that receives data through satellites in a geostationary orbit. In this case, “Air passengers connect through an on-board router.”

From a cybersecurity standpoint, this setup closely resembles public Wi-Fi in places like airports or coffee shops. Multiple users connect to the same network, often with minimal segmentation between devices. This shared environment is the foundation of many of the risks associated with in-flight Wi-Fi.

Related: Wi-Fi security tips to safeguard patient data

Is in-flight Wi-Fi secure?

According to Global Security Magazine, airplane Wi-Fi is not considered safe by default. According to the article, in-flight Wi-Fi operates similarly to public Wi-Fi networks and comes with significant security risks. One of the main concerns is that there is a lack of “password protection on the Wi-Fi connection, so anyone can intercept all data that’s being transmitted on the wireless network.”

Additionally, airplanes are described as “unique hacking grounds” because:

• Many users are connected to the same network
• Passengers are confined in a small space for long periods
• Hackers have more time and opportunity to access transmitted data

The article also notes the risk of malicious devices, such as Wi-Fi hacking tools that mimic legitimate networks. These can trick users into connecting and unknowingly expose their personal data. As a result, activities like online banking, shopping, business communication, or accessing PHI are especially vulnerable to data theft and identity compromise when using in-flight Wi-Fi.

Security risks of in-flight Wi-Fi

According to the article The Risks of In-Flight Wi-Fi and 'Evil Twin' Attacks, the expansion of free in-flight Wi-Fi is raising growing concerns among cybersecurity experts. While increased connectivity improves the passenger experience, it also introduces new vulnerabilities that cybercriminals can exploit.

One of the central issues discussed in the article is that the availability of free Wi-Fi, driven by partnerships between airlines and telecom providers, can create a false sense of security among users. Passengers may assume that airline-provided networks are safe when in reality, these environments can be highly susceptible to cyberattacks.

The threat of “Evil Twin” networks

The article specifically points out the risk of “evil twin” attacks, where attackers create fraudulent Wi-Fi networks that closely mimic legitimate airline connections. For example, a hacker may set up a network with a name nearly identical to the official onboard Wi-Fi.

Unsuspecting passengers who connect to these fake networks may unknowingly expose:

• Login credentials
• Sensitive communications
• Personal or business data

Since these networks appear legitimate, they are particularly effective in confined environments like airplanes, where users are less likely to question connectivity options.

Re-emergence of traditional hacking techniques

Another point from Cyber Magazine is that in-flight Wi-Fi environments are enabling the resurgence of older cyberattack methods. According to Matas Čenys, Head of Product at Travel eSIM app Saily, “Hackers use old tactics in an environment where travelers expect to be safe. So, their old tricks work again, even when they wouldn’t elsewhere.”

The article explains that attackers are taking advantage of user behavior, specifically, the assumption that airline Wi-Fi is secure. This reduced vigilance makes it easier for hackers to deploy familiar techniques, such as network spoofing and data interception, with a higher success rate.

Increased exposure due to the free Wi-Fi expansion

The move toward free and widely accessible in-flight Wi-Fi is also contributing to increased risk. As more passengers connect:

• The number of potential targets grows
• The likelihood of cyberattacks increases
• Sensitive data becomes more exposed

The article warns that as adoption continues to rise, security incidents may become more frequent, particularly if users do not take appropriate precautions.

A high-value target environment

In-flight Wi-Fi presents a uniquely attractive environment for cybercriminals. As Matas Čenys, Head of Product at Travel eSIM app Saily states, “In-flight Wi-Fi used to occasionally be a target for cyberattacks, but with the service now becoming complimentary, security incidents will become more frequent. \The article described that, airplanes bring together:

• A captive audience
• Prolonged connection periods
• A concentration of business travelers handling valuable information

This combination makes it easier for attackers to identify and exploit vulnerable users within a short timeframe.

Why this matters for healthcare

For healthcare professionals, the risks outlined in the article are especially significant. Accessing systems that contain PHI over unsecured or compromised networks could result in:

• Unauthorized data access
• Patient privacy breaches
• Regulatory and compliance violations

How to use in-flight Wi-Fi more safely

The article by Global Security Magazine outlines practical steps travelers can take to reduce risks when using in-flight Wi-Fi. These include:

Use the correct network settings

Passengers should set their connection to “Public” network mode, not “Home” or “Work.” This limits device visibility to others on the network and reduces the risk of unauthorized access

Verify the Wi-Fi network

Users should ensure they are connecting to the official airline Wi-Fi, not a spoofed or lookalike network. Connecting to these networks can expose sensitive data.

Use a VPN (Virtual Private Network)

The article suggests using a VPN, which will encrypt all internet traffic. VPN:

• It hides the user’s IP address
• It prevents attackers from reading intercepted data

However, it also notes that:

• Some in-flight networks may restrict VPN use
• Free VPNs may not provide adequate security

Read more: What healthcare organizations need to know about VPNs

Install security tools

Travelers are advised to use:

• Antivirus software
• Firewalls
• Anti-spyware tools

These add extra layers of protection against malware and cyber threats.

Related: Types of data security

Keep software updated

Regular updates help protect devices from known vulnerabilities that hackers may exploit.

See also: HIPAA Compliant Email: The Definitive Guide (2026 Update)

FAQS

How can I tell if an in-flight Wi-Fi network is legitimate?

To reduce risk:

• Confirm the correct network name with the airline staff
• Avoid networks with unusual or duplicate names
• Be cautious of networks that do not require any authentication

Fake networks are designed to look legitimate, so verification is essential.

What should I avoid doing on airplane Wi-Fi?

Avoid:

• Accessing sensitive accounts, such as banking and patient records.
• Downloading confidential documents
• Entering passwords on unsecured websites
• Using unknown or suspicious networks