Travel Abroad? Beware Fake Wi-Fi
By Greg Collier
As economic concerns continue to affect consumer behavior, many travelers are reconsidering their summer plans. Domestic air travel is seeing a slight contraction, with several airlines recently announcing the cancellation of select routes within the United States. While this has caused frustration for those seeking to travel closer to home, international destinations, especially those in Europe, appear to be gaining momentum as U.S. carriers expand their global offerings.
This uptick in overseas travel brings with it a host of new considerations, particularly when it comes to staying connected. International roaming fees from major U.S. carriers typically range from $6 to $15 per day, depending on the specifics of one’s plan and destination. To avoid these charges, many travelers opt to leave their phones in airplane mode and instead rely on Wi-Fi hotspots found in hotels, airports, and cafés.
However, using public Wi-Fi networks comes with significant security risks. One of the more concerning threats is a tactic known in cybersecurity circles as the ‘evil twin’ attack. In such an attack, a malicious actor creates a fake Wi-Fi network that closely mimics a legitimate one, often using names that resemble trusted locations such as “Airport” or “Cafe_Guest.” Once a traveler connects to the fraudulent network, the attacker is able to intercept and monitor the data being transmitted. This type of intrusion allows them to collect sensitive information such as passwords, emails, and even financial data.
This threat is particularly troubling because it is both simple and inexpensive for attackers to execute. Setting up a fake hotspot often requires little more than a laptop and freely available software. As international travel becomes more common during peak seasons, so too does the likelihood of encountering one of these fraudulent networks.
To protect personal information while abroad, travelers are encouraged to avoid connecting to public Wi-Fi networks unless they are secured with a password and known to be legitimate. Device settings should be adjusted to prevent automatic connections to nearby networks, and file sharing should be disabled. It is also wise to refrain from accessing sensitive accounts while using any public connection.
An added layer of protection can be achieved by using a Virtual Private Network (VPN), which encrypts internet traffic and helps shield it from interception. For those seeking more control over their internet access, a portable hotspot that uses a secured mobile data connection may also be a worthwhile investment.
As more people prepare to travel internationally this year, awareness and caution are essential. A proactive approach to digital security can prevent costly and intrusive experiences and ensure that the memories made abroad are good ones.
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