- An unauthorized WiFi network appeared on Delta flight 591 traveling from Las Vegas to Atlanta on Aug. 10.
- The network was active for a short time before the cabin crew deactivated the Boeing 757's WiFi for about 30 minutes.
- Delta confirmed that no Delta system, including the in-flight WiFi, was hacked.
- Delta stated that safety of flight was never in question and no aircraft operating systems were affected.
- FBI Atlanta is aware of the incident and is in contact with local and corporate partners.
- The flight carried six crew members and 199 passengers and took off shortly after Hacker Summer Camp ended in Las Vegas.
- Federal authorities have issued warnings about this type of incident, known as an "evil twin attack", where hackers create a fake public network access point.
- In an evil twin attack, when the victim connects to the internet using the fake system, the hacker can use tools to read their data.
- The airline mentioned that DEF CON 34, a large hacking conference, was held in Las Vegas over the weekend.
Delta flight 591, traveling from Las Vegas to Atlanta, experienced a cybersecurity incident when an unauthorized WiFi network appeared briefly on August 10.
Delta confirmed that no systems were hacked and the network was active for a short time before the cabin crew deactivated WiFi functionality for about 30 minutes.
The airline stated, “Safety of flight was never in question and no aircraft operating systems were affected. We are fully investigating to gather a complete set of facts, which will take time,” emphasizing their commitment to a thorough investigation.
The FBI Atlanta is aware of the incident and is collaborating with local and corporate partners.
This incident follows the DEF CON 34 hacking conference held in Las Vegas, raising concerns about potential “evil twin attacks,” where hackers create fake networks to intercept data.
Delta reassured passengers, stating, “We will partner with federal law enforcement and aviation regulators to ensure the incident is thoroughly investigated. We thank our crew for their professionalism and our customers for their understanding.”
“The flight carried 199 passengers and six crew members, and the WiFi was deactivated for about 30 minutes. Delta is partnering with federal law enforcement and aviation regulators, while FBI Atlanta is in contact with local and corporate partners.”
Atlanta News First
CBS News
