As you check emails at a local café, book flights on hotel Wi-Fi or scroll through social media at an airport, you may not realize how exposed your personal data is. Cybercriminals know that travellers rely on unsecured networks and distracted browsing, making them easy targets.
Protecting yourself online isn’t just about avoiding worst-case scenarios, it’s about ensuring your digital life stays as secure as your physical belongings.
The hidden dangers of public hotspots
Public Wi-Fi is everywhere, from coffee shops to train stations, and it’s convenient when you need to check a map or send messages. But most public networks lack proper security, allowing hackers to intercept your data through a method called “man-in-the-middle” attacks. This means someone else could monitor your activity, steal your login credentials or even inject malware into your device.
If you must use public Wi-Fi, avoid logging into sensitive accounts like online banking or email. Instead, turn off automatic Wi-Fi connections on your devices and use your mobile data or a personal hotspot when possible.
VPNs
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) encrypts your internet connection, making it much harder for hackers to access your data, even on unsecured networks. An online VPN disguises your IP address and protects your activity from prying eyes. This ensures that even if you use public Wi-Fi, your sensitive information remains private.
For the best protection, choose a reputable VPN provider with strong encryption protocols and a no-logs policy. Free VPN services often lack the same security standards and may even track your data themselves. If you’re in a country with restricted internet access, check whether your VPN operates there, as some governments block certain providers.
Strong passwords and biometrics
A weak password is like leaving your hotel room unlocked, it only takes a moment for someone to slip in and take what they want. Many people still use easy-to-guess passwords or reuse the same ones across multiple accounts, making them prime targets for hackers.
Use a password manager to generate and store complex passwords. A strong password should be at least 12 characters long and include letters, numbers and symbols. Biometric authentication such as fingerprint or facial recognition adds an extra layer of security.
Additional security measures
Enabling two-factor authentication (2FA) is one of the simplest ways to prevent unauthorized access to your accounts. With 2FA, even if someone steals your password, they still need a secondary code to log in.
Be mindful of what you post on social media. Broadcasting your location in real time can alert cybercriminals that you’re away from home, making you a target for digital and physical threats.
Pre-trip checklist
Before you leave, take a few simple steps to secure your devices and accounts. First, back up important data to a cloud service or external drive so you don’t lose valuable files if something happens to your device.
Next, check your bank’s security settings and let them know you’ll be traveling to avoid unnecessary account freezes. Turn off Bluetooth and file-sharing features when you’re not using them to reduce exposure to potential attacks.
Finally, write down emergency contacts, including your bank’s fraud department and your mobile carrier’s support line.
