In case you didn’t remember, today – September 27th – is international World Tourism Day. NordVPN’s digital privacy expert Daniel Markuson reminds travelers that hackers and fraudsters are out there attempting to steal your private information when you use public WiFi networks, and below provides some tips on how to stay safe on these public, hotel, and campground networks when traveling.
Hackers often pose as free WiFi hotspots and easily steal personal information, credit card details or other data. In addition, identity thieves have lately been using wireless sniffers, a type of software designed to intercept and decode data when it is transmitted over a network.
Tips: How to stay safe on public WiFi when traveling
Never join a new network blindly
If the network is left unprotected, chances are some cybercriminal is lurking there to steal your private data. On the other hand, hackers themselves often create rogue hotspots to trick users into thinking they are legitimate. If you see two similar WiFi names, ask the hotel’s staff which is the real one. Finally, always avoid logging into work or banking accounts while on public WiFi and do this only if necessary.
Use a VPN on public WiFi
A VPN is a preferred tool for travelers as it encrypts all the traffic flow between the Internet and a user’s device and helps hide the IP address. Beware of free VPN service providers that typically rely on third-party advertisers to cover the costs. Often they are free proxy services marketed as VPNs, which is not accurate: they only change your IP address but do not encrypt your Internet traffic.
Check if the website address includes “https”
You should only use the websites that have URLs starting with “https” – the “s” means that it is a secure protocol and your data is encrypted properly. Using “https” sites is especially important if you are shopping online, paying for hotels or campgrounds, or paying for experiences using your credit card details.
Enable your firewall
Most operating systems have a built-in firewall, which keeps outsiders from going through your computer’s data. A firewall is easy to enable – simply check your system preferences or control panel instructions. The firewall won’t completely protect from hacks, but it’s a useful tool if used in combination with other security-enhancing services.
Don’t forget antivirus
Antivirus software is highly recommended to use at all times to protect your network from malware. However, using an antivirus only is not enough to keep your system secure. A hacker can check whether antivirus will detect malware and if so, they can easily modify the malicious code and try again.
For more information visit the NordVPN website.
Buy a separate laptop and use it *only* for banking transactions. That way the wifi is never opened up to other sites where hackers can get in — you’re accessing only a secure site (your banking or financial site, which has pretty powerful encryption), limiting your exposure. And, of course, as suggested, make sure your firewall is as strong as it can be; your malware and anti-spam ware are effective; that you disallow cookies; etc….
We all have to do banking on the road. So how can we stay safe when occasionally verifying our online transactions, making money transfers, etc.? I haven’t used a public wi-fi for that yet, but I’m leaving soon on my first trip and will need to access my bank account. Is it safer to use my cell phone with the bank’s telephone access software?
Yes, and you may also be able to use your phone as a wifi hotspot which is more secure than public or campground wifi.
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