Securing your passport, safeguarding your wallet from thieves, and not misplacing your credit cards used to be enough for safe travels. However, in today’s world, it is crucial to also protect yourself when using public Wi-Fi.
Consider your mobile device as your online passport. Just as you wouldn’t leave your passport lying around your hotel room for others to access your personal information, using unsecured public Wi-Fi while travelling could expose your data and make your online accounts vulnerable, putting you at risk of identity theft. So, is the hotel Wi-Fi safe? It’s a valid question worth asking.
What are the Problems With Hotel Wi-Fi Networks?
Cybercriminals find hotels to be attractive targets for a variety of reasons. Firstly, hotels typically have a large number of potential targets concentrated in one place. Additionally, the security of the network that hotel guests rely upon can be rudimentary or even nonexistent.
In October 2020, the UK’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) issued a warning regarding the risks associated with using hotel Wi-Fi. They highlighted that hotels prioritize convenience for guests over implementing adequate security measures, especially since there isn’t a specific industry standard for secure Wi-Fi access in hotels. Although these situations may not be the norm, there are numerous instances of hotel Wi-Fi attacks. For instance, in 2017, cybercriminals targeted hotel guests by utilizing a leaked NSA tool.
Basic hotel Wi-Fi threats:
- Cybercriminals can engage in identity theft by snooping on your online activity and gathering enough information to steal your identity. They can also intercept your banking details, such as account numbers and passwords, to take control of your bank and retirement accounts. Even on trusted shopping sites like Amazon, hackers can collect your credit card information.
- If you travel for work, fraudsters may target your business email credentials to scam your workplace and colleagues through business email compromise (BEC).
- Someone lurking on a vulnerable network can steal login credentials for your accounts, including social media, while others can collect your browsing history and exploit it for stalking or blackmail purposes. Another concern is the installation of malware on your machine, granting unauthorized access to your files and sensitive documents.
- Hackers can send targeted emails, known as spear phishing, to collect your data or steal your identity.
How to Ensure Safe Travel?
#1 Use Mobile Data Instead of Wi-Fi
One possibility is to avoid using hotel Wi-Fi. If you have data on your phone (which may be unlikely when travelling internationally), you can utilize it as a Wi-Fi hotspot for other devices like a laptop. Alternatively, you have the option to use a portable router, a compact device that you carry with you and can top up with data using a credit card. You connect to this router like any other Wi-Fi network, using a password. These hotspots are less susceptible to attack due to their mobility, and attackers find them less appealing since fewer people use them.
#2 Always Activate VPN
Staying safe on public Wi-Fi is as simple as can be with this method. A good VPN service provides data privacy and protects against most cyber threats. Plus you can use it as a location changer iPhone to unblock region-restricted content. VeePN with its 256-bit encryption and 2500+ servers fits this role. A VPN routes all your online traffic through an encrypted tunnel, ensuring that no one can view your activity even if it is intercepted.
#3 Update Your Software
Scammers exploit security vulnerabilities in outdated software to hack devices. More than 57% of modern cyberattacks rely on software that is not up-to-date. Major developers like Microsoft and Apple promptly release firewall updates and security patches, which won’t protect if you don’t update. Most devices automatically update by default, but it’s worth verifying that this setting is enabled and your operating system is up to date.
#4 Limit the Spread of Important Information on Public Wi-Fi Networks
It’s wise to limit your online activity when using public or hotel Wi-Fi, even if you’re using a verified network and a VPN. Most of today’s malware operates invisibly, sending your data to hackers or encrypting your files for ransomware attacks. Typically, you won’t realize your data is at risk until after a hack has occurred.
Follow these steps to safeguard your online presence:
- Avoid logging into important sites, such as online banking, retirement accounts, cryptocurrency exchanges, or government portals when travelling.
- Refrain from entering sensitive personal information, such as your National Insurance number, passport number, or credit card number, on any website.
- If necessary, access sensitive sites using mobile data, preferably directly on your phone.
#5 Change Passwords
Before travelling, update your passwords. If you anticipate accessing accounts that contain sensitive information, such as social media, banking, or email accounts, create new, intricate passwords before your departure. Remember to change them again upon your return home.
Conclusion
Hotel Wi-Fi should not be your primary option. Cybercriminals commonly target it, and despite the best safeguards, you remain exposed. However, safeguarding your online activities does not end when you return home. Try to protect your internet activity anytime, anywhere.
Securing your passport, safeguarding your wallet from thieves, and not misplacing your credit cards used to be enough for safe travels. However, in today’s world, it is crucial to also protect yourself when using public Wi-Fi.
Consider your mobile device as your online passport. Just as you wouldn’t leave your passport lying around your hotel room for others to access your personal information, using unsecured public Wi-Fi while travelling could expose your data and make your online accounts vulnerable, putting you at risk of identity theft. So, is the hotel Wi-Fi safe? It’s a valid question worth asking.