Have you ever thought about what happens to your boarding pass after a flight?
Many of us casually toss it into a trash bin or leave it on our desks, unaware of the potential risks. But did you know that a discarded boarding pass can be a goldmine for cybercriminals?
The Risks:
Boarding passes contain a wealth of personal information, including your name, flight details, seat number, frequent flyer number, and most importantly, your Passenger Name Record (PNR). This PNR can be used to access your entire booking history, personal details, and even linked accounts. Cybercriminals can exploit this information for identity theft, unauthorized access to your accounts, and even social engineering attacks.
Real-World Examples:
In a study published by the Partners Universal International Research Journal, researchers highlighted how social media posts of boarding passes can expose travelers to security and privacy violations. Hackers can modify flight reservations, terminate bookings, and access confidential passport information. A notable incident involved the Australian Prime Minister, whose boarding pass was exposed on social media, leading to widespread cybersecurity concerns.
What Information is at Risk? :
1. PNR Code:
This unique identifier can provide access to your booking details and personal information. With it, hackers can retrieve sensitive information, such as your passport number and date of birth.
2. Frequent Flyer Number:
If cybercriminals obtain your frequent flyer number, they can potentially redeem your miles, gain access to your travel history, and even learn about your travel habits.
3. Contact Information:
Boarding passes often have your email address and phone number, which can be used for phishing attacks or identity theft.
Precautions to Take:
1. Shred Your Boarding Pass:
Treat your boarding pass like a personal check. Shred it before discarding it to prevent any information from falling into the wrong hands.
2. Avoid Sharing Photos Online:
Refrain from posting pictures of your boarding pass on social media. If you must share, ensure that sensitive information like barcodes and PNR codes are blurred.
3. Use Mobile Boarding Passes:
If possible, opt for mobile boarding passes. These often use dynamic QR codes and offer better protection against unauthorized access.
4. Be Cautious with Booking References:
Do not share your PNR publicly. The same can be used to access your booking details and linked accounts.
5. Secure Your Documents:
Keep your boarding passes and other travel documents secure while traveling and dispose of them responsibly once your journey is complete.
Conclusion:
Next time you complete a flight journey, dispose of your boarding pass appropriately. By taking these simple precautions, you can protect your personal information and reduce the risk of falling victim to cybercrime. Spread awareness and encourage others to do the same.
By being mindful of how we handle our boarding passes, we can safeguard our personal information and prevent potential cyber threats. Make it a habit to destroy boarding passes properly and educate our fellow travelers about the importance of this practice.
Remember, a little caution goes a long way in protecting ourselves from cybercriminals. Stay safe and travel smart!
About SNS :
SNS has been promoting cyber security awareness for the last 25 years. If you need a cyber security awareness session for your employees, do write us at [email protected]
Author
N.K.Mehta
