Delta Air Lines investigated an unauthorised Wi-Fi network that appeared on Flight 591 from Las Vegas to Atlanta on 10 August, as passengers returning from DEF CON 34 were onboard. The rogue signal used a name resembling Delta’s service, “Delta WiFi Fast”, and crew switched off the aircraft’s Wi-Fi for about 30 minutes while the issue was assessed. No emergency was declared.
Delta said the network was not provided, operated or supplied by the airline and that flight safety was never in question. Initial checks found no sign that Delta systems were compromised, and no aircraft operating systems were affected. The FAA was also looking into the matter, with Delta preparing to work with federal law enforcement and aviation regulators.
The incident drew attention to the cybersecurity risks surrounding in-flight connectivity as more airlines expand passenger internet services. The exact method used to create the rogue network, and who was responsible, have not been confirmed in the available reporting. One report indicated that some SkyMiles accounts were temporarily restricted for extra verification, although that detail was not included in Delta’s public comments.