When traveling, it's important to stay connected. Without Wi-Fi or cell phone service, you can't use online maps to navigate to new places, stay in touch with loved ones, or find restaurants to visit.
Thankfully, free Wi-Fi isn't that hard to find, whether it's in hotels, cafes, or airports. The real problem is making sure your information stays safe on public networks.
According to a 2023 survey by Forbes Advisor, 43% of Americans who regularly use public Wi-Fi said their online security had been compromised while using Wi-Fi. The study identified cafes, restaurants, and hotels as the top places where people typically access public Wi-Fi.
“Using public Wi-Fi can be a little risky, but I think it's doable if you use the right best practices,” Eric Plumb, CEO of mobile hotspot company SIMO, told USA TODAY.
Here's how to connect to public Wi-Fi securely.
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What are the risks of using public Wi-Fi?
There are several, so “just be very careful,” Plumb says. If you are connected to an unsecured network or if your information does not have adequate security measures in place, you are vulnerable to hackers.
“There's a very common threat on Wi-Fi called a man-in-the-middle Wi-Fi attack, which is actually a great strategy,” Plumb said.
“For example, imagine you're in a cafe and you see a Wi-Fi hotspot that you want to connect to, and you see maybe multiple Wi-Fi hotspots. One of them is actually a real Wi-Fi hotspot. It could be a hacker who sets up a spot and disguises the name of the cafe. You connect thinking it's legit and it is, so you get Wi-Fi access, but now Hackers can intercept all your information.”
The first thing to do before connecting to a network is to make sure you are connected to the correct network. “Just ask for the network name and see if it's listed,” Plumb said.
Even better if you have a password to connect. “It's more secure and it gives you some peace of mind knowing it's not a rogue access point.”
How can I protect my information from hackers?
Even if you're using hotel Wi-Fi, you should make sure you do everything you can to protect your information, including keeping your security systems and operations up to date.
“Use a VPN if possible,” says Plumb. “It's not a huge investment…and it adds an extra layer of security from your computer to the server you're accessing.” A VPN, or virtual private network, acts like a “secure tunnel” and protects your browsing information. Encrypt.
While connected, do your best to avoid accessing sensitive information such as bank accounts or logging into your email. “Anytime you exchange any passwords, you need to be aware of the network you're using,” Plumb says.
To do this, use a password manager tool that protects and encrypts your passwords. Long and complex passwords are also more secure. According to data from Specops Password Policy, 85% of compromised passwords are less than 12 characters.
“If everything seems too complicated, use your own mobile hotspot,” says Plumb. Mobile hotspot prices range from $30 to $200 depending on features such as speed and power.
What should I do if I connect to an insecure network?
“If something doesn't seem right, disconnect immediately,” says Plumb. And change your password immediately, “especially if you feel like it may have been hacked.”
You should also check your credit card for any unusual activity.
Is airport Wi-Fi safe?
Yes, as long as you are positive, you are connected to an official network and are following all the safety precautions mentioned by Plum. At some airports he may also have other networks available, like Boingo, but Plam said these networks usually have built-in security measures so he feels safe using them. That's it.
“Hackers are always trying to stay one step ahead of security measures, and security professionals have done a pretty good job of staying ahead of hackers,” Plumb said.
Can I get hacked while charging my phone in a public place?
As you travel, you will eventually need to charge your device in a public place, such as an airport gate charging station. There's a concept called juice jacking, where hackers destroy USB ports with malware and export personal data when you connect your phone. According to the Federal Communications Commission, there are no confirmed cases of juice jacking, although it is possible.
Still, Plumb says it's important to be aware of the risks. Use your power bank or regular AC adapter instead of the USB port.
Kathleen Wong is a travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Hawaii. Please contact kwong@usatoday.com..
