TRAVELING is stressful enough on its own, but hackers can make your trip even worse if they manage to get ahold of your private data.
iPhone and Android users should think twice before connecting to airport Wi-Fi, as these unsecured networks are a common target for cybercriminals.
Public Wi-Fi usage puts your information at risk of falling into the wrong hands.
Cybercriminals can carry out man-in-the-middle attacks, in which they intercept the transmission of data.
Instead of communicating directly with the Wi-Fi hotspot, you may be sending your information to a hacker, who relays it on.
This setup gives the hacker access to every piece of information you send over the Internet, including emails, credit card numbers, and login credentials.
Hackers can also use an unsecured Wi-Fi connection to distribute malware.
If you allow file sharing across a network, the hacker can easily install a virus on your device.
In some cases, you may believe you’re connecting to the airport’s Wi-Fi network when that hotspot has actually been set up by a hacker.
Luckily, most airports provide the name of their network on their websites to avoid mix-ups.
The safest way to use your phone at the airport is to rely on cellular data – but there are other solutions for those who want to connect to Wi-Fi.
You can start by using a virtual private network (VPN) while you surf the internet.
VPNs encrypt your Internet connection, scrambling your data and making it nearly impossible to intercept.
These tools prevent cybercriminals from seizing your private information if they take control of public Wi-Fi networks.
While using public Wi-Fi, try not to sign into your sensitive accounts, as you never know if a network has been compromised.
You can protect yourself by making sure your accounts have strong passwords that are over 16 characters long.
An effective password should use a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Stay away from names, birthdays, and other details that can be easy to guess.
It’s also worth enabling multi-factor authentication (MFA) when applicable.
MFA requires you to verify your identity using one additional factor apart from your username and password.
The safest authentication method is biometric information, like a fingerprint or face scan, or one where the device itself is considered an authenticator.
Another tip is installing antivirus software, which scans device for threats and removes them before they cause irreparable damage.
iPhones generally don’t need it due to the protections afforded by Apple’s iOS, but it wouldn’t hurt to double up.
While Android devices have built-in security features like Google Play Protect, they are more vulnerable to attacks.
These differences lie in the operating system itself. iOS is generally proprietary software, meaning its developers don’t share the code with the public.
Android, on the other hand, shares its source code with app and system developers – and while this spurs innovation, it also makes devices easier to hack.
Aside from Wi-Fi safety, experts advise travelers to avoid public charging stations, which can inject malware onto your device.
Travel with a portable battery pack if possible, and always use your own charger.
How to protect yourself from cyberattacks
Here’s what Mackenzie Tatananni, science and technology reporter at The U.S. Sun, has to say:
It is important to have security in mind anytime you navigate the internet or sign onto your devices. Just because you don’t have anything to hide, this doesn’t mean you want strangers spying on your activity. (Yes, this includes your internet service providers!)
I am a big proponent of VPNs, or virtual private networks, which encrypt (or “scramble”) your data to make it nearly impossible to intercept.
I am also a huge fan of the Tor Browser, though I understand this is not for everyone and can be difficult to navigate for first-time users. (I’ll admit it’s also not very practical, considering most websites are not indexed on the dark web.)
I find some of the NSA’s tips extremely helpful and abide by them myself. For instance, the agency recommends installing a minimal number of applications and only ones from official application stores.
In addition to saving phone storage, this is an effective security measure – most, if not all, apps will track you. While no one is truly defenseless against a malicious actor, there are small steps you can take to protect yourself.
This includes turning off location services for the apps you use (preventing geolocation) and managing other settings, including which apps have access to your photos and other data, in your phone’s Settings section.