Delta investigating after someone set up fake Wi-Fi network mid-flight

A fake Wi-Fi network was allegedly set up on a Delta flight from Las Vegas to Atlanta, according to the airline and public broadcasts from the plane. The incident occurred on Monday and prompted pilots to alert air traffic control. Delta spokesperson Morgan Durrant stated that the safety of the flight was never in question and no aircraft operating systems were affected.

The airline is investigating the incident and will partner with federal law enforcement and aviation regulators to ensure a thorough investigation. The flight crew turned off the legitimate Wi-Fi network for around 30 minutes due to the incident. The pilots sent two messages mid-flight to air traffic control, stating that a passenger created a scam Wi-Fi network designed to impersonate the airplane's legitimate wireless network.

Some of the passengers reportedly came from cybersecurity conferences held in Las Vegas last week. The motives and actions of the alleged perpetrator are unclear at this point. It is noted that setting up a fake or malicious Wi-Fi network is relatively easy using commercially available tools like a Wi-Fi Pineapple, which can be used by both professional security testers and hobbyists.

The Atlanta Police Department and the FBI are working with local and corporate partners on the matter, but the FAA has not received a report about the incident.