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It is a time full of anticipation, and social media reports flooding time with Snapshots of everything, from destinations to entry -level passes.
While posting a photo of your entry fitting next to your passport at the airport may seem harmless, experts warn that this simple action can expose you to serious cyber security risks.
Your entry -level is more than just a ticket to your flight; It contains several layers of information, including codes with hidden meanings that can be confusing for even the most seasoned flyers – while offering a gold mine for cyber criminals.
It is important to be set up about what each code means to stay a step ahead of last-minute airport changes, to be prepared for extra security checks and to protect your privacy online.
Read on to discover how your personal information reads on your entry:
Your entry -level is more than just a ticket to your flight; It contains several layers of information, including codes with hidden meanings
Passenger name Record (PNR)
A passenger name record (PNR) is a six -digit alphanumeric code that appears on each entry fitting
More often known as a booking reference or reservation number, a passenger name record (PNR) is a six -digit alphanumeric code that appears on each entry fitting.
You identify this randomly generated order as a unique passenger in case you share an exact first and last name with another person on your flight.
The PNR of every passenger is essentially a detailed travel schedule with everything, from flight details to meal preferences and even frequent flyer status.
Flyers are warned to prevent photos of entry passes from being uploaded online – or even throwing away these in public bins – because the PNR hackers can give a deep insight into your travel plans and habits.
If a cyber criminal acquires your name and books reference number, they can register with your airport, adjust your bookings, steal your air miles or even cancel flights.
Barcode or QR code
A barcode or QR code is often scanned on entry gates to speed up the entry process
One of the most distinctible elements of a modern entry-level is the barcode or QR code, which is often scanned on entry gates to speed up the entry process.
The scanner used by airlines saves the information that helps the staff to determine how many passengers have gone on board, which seats have been taken and how many pieces of luggage have been checked.
However, these barcodes usually contain your PNR or booking reference, which can easily decode hackers using free online tools.
With this information they can follow your travel patterns or even occur for you to make fraudulent changes to your bookings.
Security code (SSSS)
SSSS stands for 'Secondary Security screening selection', an extra-thorough security check enforced by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) in the US
In short, SSSS stands for 'Secondary Security Screening Selection', an extra-Thorough security check enforced by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) in the US.
Although hackers do not become much use of this code, those who discover it during their entry fitting must expect an 'improved' screening that can last longer than standard security procedures and in turn cause delays.
According to the Pointsman, the screening usually includes a 'full-body pat-down, an extra metal-detecting magic wave and explosively detecting cotton buds that have been rubbed on your luggage and at least your hands.'
Bags are subject to a full search, with the lining of luggage and the outdoor bags produced, scanned and swept on narcotic drugs and other smuggling.
A TSA agent will probably also ask you questions about your reason for traveling, your travel route, destination information whether you have packed your bags yourself.
The selection criteria are not always determined in advance, because a passenger can be picked randomly or due to inconsistent or 'suspicious' behavior, such as paying cash for a flight or buying a number of one -way tickets.
Sequence
If your sequence number is SEQ/081, this means that you were the 81st passenger to check in
This three -digit number indicates your 'order' or the order in which you check in for your flight.
For example, if your sequence number is SEQ/081, this means that you were the 81st passenger to check in.
As with the security code, hackers cannot necessarily do a lot with your sequence number, but it is important to notice when you check in if your SEQ code can sometimes affect your seats, when you go on board and if you can go on board at all.
By being aware of your check -in status, it can help you understand what happens, why and when you owe a fee in case you have experienced delays or are unable to board.
