wi-fi airplanes – PSafe Blog

Common Pitfalls of Using Mobile Hotspots

PSafe Newsroom — Mon, 17 Apr 2017 16:00:22 +0000

Tethering your phone is generally safe, but what about connecting to a mobile hotspot? A mobile hotspot is a feature on your smartphone that gives your laptop or tablet Internet access when there are no Wi-Fi networks available. Mobile hotspots, then, connect you to your cell provider’s network to get you online. However, mobile hotspots don’t always offer the most reliable connection. Use DFNDR’s Wi-Fi Check to check your network speed, connection, and security:

With Wi-Fi Check, you can make sure there are no concerns with your connectivity and download speed. You can also check for any breaches in network security.

The Different Types of Mobile Hotspots

Mobile hotspots refer to several different technologies. The first is a portable device that lets multiple devices get online by connecting to a cell carrier’s 4G or 3G network; these are called MiFi hotspots. Your phone also works as a mobile hotspot, in a similar manner, as mentioned. Once you enable mobile hotspot on your phone, you can then connect it to your laptop via Bluetooth or with a USB cable. Mobile hotspots don’t require a tether.

The Problems with Mobile Hotspots

One of the biggest problems with phone-based hotspots is speed. Mobile hotspots are, usually, significantly slower than Wi-Fi or even MiFi hotspots. Further, the Internet signal that cell phones deliver is often spotty. The connection speed might be particularly slow in rural areas, where you’re less likely to find a Wi-Fi network in the first place.

Additionally, turning your phone into a hotspot can mean massive data overcharges. This type of mobile hotspot can eat up your data and use up your monthly data allowance much more quickly than you otherwise would.

A third issue is the battery use required to turn a phone into a hotspot. Turning your phone into a hotspot wears out your phone’s battery in translating a 4G or 3G connection into Internet access. If you use your phone as a hotspot, then you might also want to plug it in.

A final issue is that, when your phone is a hotspot, the phone no longer functions as a phone. Many phones don’t let you receive calls once turned into a hotspot; phones don’t have the capacity to support simultaneous voice and data.

The best way to avoid using mobile hotspots is to wait for the ability to connect to a Wi-Fi network. If you don’t have that ability for some time, and need the Internet for work, look into buying a hotspot device from a cell phone provider to avoid massive fees. Or, see if you can download any of your work for offline use. Google Docs, for example, allows offline usage.

Here’s Why You Have to Use Airplane Mode on an Airplane

PSafe Newsroom — Sat, 15 Apr 2017 20:00:31 +0000

Every time you fly on an airplane, you’re likely told by flight staff to put your device on “airplane mode,” or else to turn it off completely. That means that you’ll likely be stuck connecting to the airplane’s Wi-Fi if you want to get online. Diagnose your Wi-Fi’s speed and security after you join to ensure that you’ll have a pleasant and safe online experience:

Your phone’s cellular capabilities are instantly disabled once your phone goes into airplane mode. But have you ever wondered why this feature must be disabled while you fly? Is there a real reason why you have to disable the main function of your phone, or is it based on something unfounded?

The Truth Behind Airplane Mode

Your phone’s major function is shut down in airplane mode. Your device will stop receiving signals from the cell towers. You won’t be able to get that text message or make a phone call. You also won’t be able to browse the Internet, check your email, or look at Facebook. It will be obvious when airplane mode is on because you will be left with basic functions and whatever mobile apps can function in offline mode. An airplane icon will appear in your sticky header.

Every phone in the air would have to expand its signal so it could reach the cell towers below. While it would drain your battery, and fast, the big issue is that the communication could wreak havoc on your airplane’s sensors. That’s the last thing you want when you are 30,000 feet in the air. If everyone on your flight were using their cellphones normally, that would greatly interfere with normal radio operations and your pilot’s ability to land a plane during bad weather.

Airplane Mode Woes

Federal regulators recently withdrew a proposal that would allow airline passengers the use of their cell phones even while flying at high altitudes. It would have meant the end of passengers having to rely solely on flight Wi-Fi. The public and airlines responded in mutual agreement.

In the words of one opponent, Clair Allyn, a Missouri resident who filed with the US Department of Transportation, “The use of cellphones on airplanes would be cruel. Can you imagine sitting next to a loud aggressive person talking to someone for one hour or two hours or three hours?” It’s a valid point, and a shared sentiment with a large number of opponents. You’ll be relying on airplane mode and in-flight Wi-Fi for now. At least now you understand some of the reasons why.

Is the Wi-Fi Available on Airplanes Safe to Use?

PSafe Newsroom — Fri, 21 Oct 2016 20:05:29 +0000

Unfortunately, public Wi-Fi on airplanes can be worse to use than the public Wi-Fi in a coffee shop or train station. Be especially cautious of Wi-Fi networks on airplanes that aren’t password protected. There’s the possibility that the unprotected Wi-Fi network is a scam network, set up to mimic the flight’s network. Do not connect your phone to an unprotected network; doing so dramatically increases your device’s hacking risk. You may want to plan ahead so that you don’t need Wi-Fi access on your flight.

Although a password protected Wi-Fi network on an airplane is much safer to use, it still doesn’t protect your device against hacking opportunities. Even though the websites you visit might be encrypted, that doesn’t mean that your data is safe against hacking on public Wi-Fi. A hacker on your flight could still spy on your activities and access your personal information.

Keep in mind that it’s never a good idea to access your online banking app or use your credit card to purchase items on public Wi-Fi. It’s even more risky to access your email, since your email is home to a lot of sensitive and personal information. After all, you pay a lot of money for limited Wi-Fi access on airplanes, so you want your data to be safe, right? While the safest option of all is to avoid using public Wi-Fi, sometimes it’s unavoidable. So, how can you protect your device from hacking threats?

How to Protect Your Device with a VPN
One way to protect your device is through a Virtual Private Network, or a VPN. A VPN offers a way to encrypt your device while accessing the public network. It prevents hackers from being able to read or access your data. A VPN is especially important to use if you want to do any business-related work on public Wi-Fi, such as sending e-mails or accessing work-related programs. Some safe, popular options include TunnelBear and ExpressVPN. A VPN generally costs anywhere from a few dollars per month to $10 per month. All you need to do is select the service plan that you want and download the software from their website.

If for some reason you want to use public Wi-Fi without a VPN, don’t access any of your accounts or type in any passwords. Act as if someone else can see your every move, and keep your web browsing to a minimum. Choose safe activities such as reading articles or checking out new content on your favorite food blog. Finally, make sure that you download PSafe Total and PSafe Total Windows before your flight. The apps will immediately detect any malware or security breaches on your devices.