Cyber security experts say that personal information on your phone, laptop or tablet is more at risk of being compromised or stolen during the summer holidays, when holidaymakers look to connect to different wireless internet networks to save on data their mobiles, or for the simple fact that they need a higher internet speed. What are the places to avoid for using Wi-Fi networks?
Places to avoid connecting to Wi-Fi
When it comes to vacations abroad, we don’t want our cell phone bills to be too high, so when we get the chance, we try to find a wireless network to connect to. Once because the internet speed we have from mobile data is too low, or because of the high costs of roaming data traffic.
Connecting to an Internet network controlled by a hacker, to browse social networks or check email accounts, can lead to the loss of passwords or data on devices.
ere is a list of places to avoid using Wi-Fi networks
- Although airports have strict security procedures, there is room for improvement in IT security, especially in the case of Internet networks. Numerous social experiments done by IT security experts demonstrate that passengers would connect to any network that offers people free internet. And more than that, they would fully accept the terms and conditions requested by the service provider, without even reading them.
Most fall into the trap of networks called “Free Airport Wi-Fi” or similar and connect electronic devices to unsecured networks. Once connected, attackers can easily collect all of your passwords and personal data in seconds.
- In the case of hotels, you can ask the staff for the data to connect to their WI-Fi network. Frequently, at hotels that offer free internet, tourists skip asking for details about internet services and look for networks on their own, directly from their phone, hoping that they are not password-protected.
- If you use public transport (bus or train), the temptation to connect to Wi-Fi in the train station or bus station can expose you to the risk of data theft. Every day, such places are transited by thousands of Omanis, a good place for hackers to get hold of your most valuable personal data.
- For many tourists, cafes are the ideal place to check their bank balance, especially since Home Bank applications are the most used or even other sites where your personal data is also located. As many places allow free internet access, users are used to accessing them. Attackers can create clone networks and intercept the traffic of the cafe’s customers and their theft.
- In bars, restaurants or other places with unsecured networks, avoid using online banking or online shopping while connected to a public Wi-Fi network. If it is absolutely necessary to log in, the recommendation is to use a tailored online payment solution.
Also, check that the link of the page you are accessing starts with https:// and, in addition, that a lock appears in the field where you type the link, which indicates secure access. For mobile terminals, it is recommended to install a VPN solution that aims to encrypt traffic and make it difficult for attackers to intercept it.
