Why TSA Warns Do Not Use These Networks On Your Phone

On August 24, 2025, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) released a cyber‑security advisory that has already made headlines across the travel industry. In a clear warning aimed at the average traveler, the agency instructed passengers to avoid several types of Wi‑Fi networks while in transit—especially the “free” or “open” networks found at most U.S. airports. The advisory, which was published on the TSA’s website and echoed in major media outlets such as Forbes, The New York Times, and Wired, is part of a broader effort to protect the personal data of the millions of people who rely on public networking while traveling.

Why the TSA Is Raising the Alarm

The agency cited a spike in “man‑in‑the‑middle” (MITM) attacks targeting unencrypted Wi‑Fi hotspots. In recent months, security researchers uncovered a trend of “Wi‑Fi phishing” campaigns that exploit the fact that many travelers connect automatically to the first network that appears. Once a user is linked to an insecure network, a malicious actor can intercept traffic, hijack sessions, or even inject malware into the device.

A key driver behind the advisory is the fact that airport Wi‑Fi, while often marketed as “free,” is usually only “WPA2‑PSK” or even completely open. These protocols lack the robust encryption and authentication features that modern Wi‑Fi networks (like WPA3) provide. Moreover, the sheer volume of travelers—roughly 150 million annually in the United States alone—creates a lucrative target for cybercriminals.

The TSA’s statement also highlighted a recent incident where a compromised airport network was used to harvest login credentials from a handful of users in a major hub (the reference was to a “pilot test” of a new security system that inadvertently exposed user data). The agency claims the incident was contained quickly but underlined the need for travelers to adopt safer habits.

Networks to Avoid

The advisory categorizes networks into several tiers. While the full list is detailed in the TSA’s PDF, the Forbes article summarizes the key points:

Network Type	Why It’s Risky	Examples
Public/Free Wi‑Fi	No encryption, easy to spoof.	“Free Wi‑Fi at JFK,” “Airport Wi‑Fi at ORD.”
Unsecured Wi‑Fi	Often uses WPA2‑PSK with weak passphrases.	“TSA Wi‑Fi” at some airports that require a simple PIN.
Open Hotspots	Completely open, no password needed.	“Coffee Shop Wi‑Fi” within the terminal.
Corporate/Corporate Guest Networks	Some are shared across multiple airlines or terminals.	“Delta Guest Wi‑Fi” if not using a dedicated corporate passphrase.

TSA specifically flagged networks that “have been observed in the past to have weak security settings or have been targeted in attacks.” The advisory urges travelers to treat any network that does not explicitly state it uses WPA3 or at least WPA2‑Enterprise as “high risk.”

How to Stay Safe While in Transit

The Forbes article not only lists what to avoid but also offers practical steps travelers can take:

Turn Off Auto‑Connect
On both iOS and Android, disable the “auto‑connect” feature so the device will prompt you each time you enter a new network.
Use Cellular Data or a VPN
If you must use Wi‑Fi, switch to a reputable VPN service before you connect. Many VPN apps also enable “kill switch” functionality that will cut off internet access if the VPN connection drops.
Check Encryption Status
When connecting, look for “WPA3” or “WPA2‑Enterprise” in the network details. If you see “WPA2‑PSK” or “Open,” consider avoiding the network unless you have a strong password.
Enable Two‑Factor Authentication (2FA)
Ensure that all accounts that can be accessed via a web browser are protected with 2FA. Even if a session is hijacked, the second factor will often stop the attacker from gaining full access.
Use HTTPS Everywhere
Most modern browsers have extensions that force HTTPS. The Forbes piece noted that Chrome’s “HTTPS‑First” mode is an effective way to block unsecured HTTP sites.
Consider an Airplane Mode Alternative
If you need to use a device for the flight itself (e.g., e‑books, navigation), consider turning on airplane mode and disabling Wi‑Fi entirely during the in‑flight segment.

TSA’s Broader Cyber‑Security Initiative

Beyond the immediate advisory, the TSA’s communication points to a larger, multi‑agency effort to secure the nation’s travel infrastructure. The agency is collaborating with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and private‑sector partners such as Cisco and Palo Alto Networks to develop “network hardening” protocols for airport Wi‑Fi. The goal is to make the public Wi‑Fi offered at airports a “secure, encrypted, and monitored environment” rather than a target for cybercriminals.

The Forbes article quotes TSA’s Chief Information Officer, who said: “We are actively working on a phased rollout of WPA3‑Enterprise across all major airports, but that’s a multi‑year plan. In the meantime, we must empower travelers to make safer choices on their own.”

What Travelers Should Take Away

Not all “free” Wi‑Fi is safe: Even if a network advertises itself as free, it can still be a conduit for hackers.
The simplest solution is cellular data: For most people, the safest bet is to use their phone’s data plan or a portable hotspot.
Use a VPN as a safety net: If you absolutely must use Wi‑Fi, a reputable VPN can mitigate most risks.
Stay informed: Check the TSA’s website or follow the TSA on Twitter for real‑time updates on network security at your departure or arrival hub.

The TSA’s advisory is a timely reminder that the convenience of ubiquitous connectivity can come at a steep price. By following the simple guidelines laid out in the Forbes piece, travelers can keep their personal information safe, avoid falling victim to cyber‑phishing, and enjoy a more secure travel experience.

Read the Full Forbes Article at:
[ https://www.forbes.com/sites/zakdoffman/2025/08/24/why-tsa-warns-do-not-use-these-networks-on-your-phone/ ]

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