According to new research from Sailingan eSIM provider. While this is a convenient and cheap way to use the internet while traveling, it also results in certain cybersecurity issues.
“There are multiple cybersecurity issues associated with public Wi-Fi,” says Vykintas Maknickas, head of product strategy at Nord Security. “Man-in-the-middle attacks, where malicious actors can intercept communications between your phone or laptop and the Wi-Fi network so they can eavesdrop on your activity, steal data, or install malware, are just one example. Session hijacking, an attack where criminals can steal session cookies and gain unauthorized access to users’ accounts, is another.”
Dangers of public wifi
In addition to the types of attacks mentioned above, hackers can also use different types of techniques to abuse public Wi-Fi. For example, they can set up rogue hotspots: fake Wi-Fi networks that mimic legitimate networks. When a user connects to these rogue hotspots, attackers can gain access to the device and steal data.
Another type of attack is called an evil twin attack. Similar to rogue hotspots, an evil twin attack involves setting up a network with the same name as a legitimate public Wi-Fi network, such as that of a hotel or coffee shop. Users can unknowingly connect to the “evil twin,” giving attackers the ability to intercept their communications.
Finally, cybercriminals can use special software to “sniff” the data sent over a public Wi-Fi network. This type of attack is simply called “sniffing.”
Time spent online while traveling
When looking at what exactly people use the internet for while traveling, the Saily study revealed that American travelers generally spend a significant amount of time online. Only about a quarter spend less than two hours online per day, with the majority exceeding this limit.
When it comes to online activities, 56% of people say they spend most of their online time communicating and 50% sharing information on social media.
As many as 42% use the internet for money management: payments and transactions.
“Especially when handling money-related tasks, I would strongly recommend using mobile networks instead of public Wi-Fi. If such sensitive information leaks, it can be extremely damaging to the victim,” says Vykintas Maknickas, Head of Product Strategy at Nord Security.
What do experts recommend?
While it’s understandable that travelers are looking for the easiest and cheapest options to access the internet, Maknickas recommends considering alternative internet options.
“Mobile internet is more secure, especially when you consider activities like online banking,” says Vykintas Maknickas, Head of Product Strategy at Nord Security. “Nowadays, there are also affordable options, such as eSIMs or international data packages, so users don’t have to compromise on security for a lower price.”
For those considering using public Wi-Fi networks, he recommends taking the following steps to secure the connection:
- Avoid accessing sensitive information. Don’t visit banking sites, make online purchases, or enter sensitive information while on public Wi-Fi. For such tasks, it’s better to use mobile data.
- Forget the network: After using a public WiFi network, choose the ‘forget the network’ option on your device to prevent it from automatically reconnecting in the future.
- Update your software: Make sure your operating system, browsers, and applications are up to date with the latest security patches.
- Use a VPN (virtual private network): A VPN encrypts your internet connection, making it much harder for attackers to intercept your data.
About Saily
Saily is an affordable, easy-to-use, and sustainable eSIM service that helps people manage their mobile and internet connections anywhere in the world without worries. Saily offers 24/7 direct customer support, flexible plans, and global coverage. Saily is created by the experts behind NordVPN — the advanced security and privacy app. For more information: zeilachtig.com.
If you want to subscribe to Saily you can follow this link. You can also take a look at this NordVPN dealwith which you can get Saily for free.
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