Unauthorized Wi-Fi Network Detected on Delta Flight From Las Vegas to Atlanta

An unauthorized Wi-Fi network impersonating Delta Air Lines' onboard service was discovered Monday aboard a flight traveling from Las Vegas to Atlanta. The airline confirmed the rogue network was not provided, operated or supplied by Delta, and stated that no Delta systems were hacked and flight safety and aircraft operating systems were never affected.

Delta Flight 591, a Boeing 757 with 199 passengers and six crew members, was en route from Harry Reid International Airport to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport on Aug. 10 when the network was detected. Cabin crew shut down the plane's Wi-Fi for approximately 30 minutes as a precaution, and no emergency was declared to air traffic control.

Messages attributed to the flight crew suggested a passenger had created a network named "Delta WiFi Fast" And may have been attempting to scam others. A follow-up message referenced a group of passengers who had attended a cybersecurity conference in Las Vegas and indicated the legitimate Wi-Fi had been jammed while the unauthorized signal was broadcast. The flight departed shortly after the conclusion of DEF CON 34, one of the world's largest cybersecurity and hacker conferences, held Aug. 6-9 in Las Vegas. Delta is investigating whether conference attendees were involved.

"Safety of flight was never in question, and no aircraft operating systems were affected," A Delta spokesperson said. "We are fully investigating to gather a complete set of facts, which will take time. We will partner with federal law enforcement and aviation regulators to ensure the incident is thoroughly investigated."

The Federal Aviation Administration said it is aware of the report and is investigating. Federal authorities have previously warned about "evil twin" Attacks, where a fake network mimics a legitimate one to potentially capture user data. Delta said it has not determined whether any passenger information was compromised. The investigation is ongoing.