When you’re enjoying a city break, you still may want to check your email or browse online sites. But to do so, you’ll be relying on public Wi-Fi in hotels, cafes, and other public spaces. And that means you’ll put your private information at risk.
Don’t let cybercriminals detail your experience. Keep reading to learn how to use public Wi-Fi safely on city breaks.
Join the Correct Wi-Fi Network
If you’re in a public centre or train station, you may have free Wi-Fi at your fingertips. Don’t assume you’re connecting to the right network, however. Always confirm with an employee that you’re connecting to the correct network, and not a fake one that sounds official.
Cybercriminals may set up fake hotspots to access people’s data in public settings. If connected to a fake network, criminals can watch your web traffic and private messages.
Do Not Disclose Sensitive Information
While you might want to check your bank account or purchase something online at the train station, don’t use public Wi-Fi to do it. Public networks never have enough encryption, leaving your data more vulnerable. If you’re travelling, save critical financial transactions for a more secure network.
Install a VPN
With a Virtual Private Network (VPN), you can feel more confident that you have a secure connection in public settings. A VPN scrambles data and uses an encrypted connection. As a result, cybercriminals won’t be able to see your password and data.
Before you head to an airport or train station, make sure you install a VPN. You’ll gain peace of mind and greater online privacy.
Use a Link Checker
Accessing public Wi-Fi may require visiting a captive portal, which is a webpage asking you to accept terms and sign in first. You can expect to see these pages in airports or hotels.
Confirm you’re clicking on a reputable link first. Use a free URL checker to ensure that a web address is safe to visit so you’re not mistakenly visiting a site with malware.
Don’t Automatically Connect to Networks
Yes, it’s convenient to connect to networks without having to press any buttons. But you might inadvertently connect to an unsafe network that puts your personal information at risk. Be sure to turn off the auto-join option on your phone and laptop so you have to connect manually.
Always Use Multi-Factor Authentication
Thanks to multi-factor authentication (MFA), you can enjoy greater security while travelling on a city break. MFA can block phishing attacks and keep reused passwords safe. That’s because a cybercriminal will need to make it past an additional verification point to access your accounts.
Ensure that you have MFA for all critical accounts, like email and booking sites. You’ll even get alerts if someone tries to log in to your accounts too many times.
Be Safe on Your City Break
Going on a city break can provide a great opportunity to relax and explore a new place. But be mindful of public Wi-Fi access, and take the proper precautions. Install a VPN, avoid bank transactions, and use MFA for an extra layer of security. Always check to see that you’re connecting to the right network, and disable auto-connect on your devices.
With a smart approach, you can keep your personal information secure when using public Wi-Fi.
