The promise of free Wi-Fi in airports, cafés and hotels is tempting, but it harbours potential risks that every modern traveller must acknowledge. Public networks are often unsecured, meaning that a malicious user could potentially intercept any data you send or receive, including passwords, banking details or personal emails. As a foundational rule, you must never conduct sensitive transactions such as online banking or making e-commerce purchases while connected to public Wi-Fi. Save these activities for when you are securely connected back at your accommodation’s private network or using your own personal mobile hotspot.
For general browsing, the safest mitigation tool is a reliable Virtual Private Network (*VPN). A VPN encrypts your connection, effectively creating a private tunnel for your data, making it virtually impossible for hackers on the same network to snoop on your activity. Furthermore, always ensure that your device’s ‘file sharing’ or ‘AirDrop’ functions are disabled before connecting. A few moments of vigilance and the use of a simple VPN service are small prices to pay for the peace of mind that comes with protecting your personal and financial security while you’re out exploring the world.
*Getting VPN service is a straightforward process that involves choosing a provider, subscribing to a plan, and installing their application on your devices.
