The holidays mean airports, hotels, restaurants and coffee shops, and a lot of them offer free Wi-Fi. It’s handy, especially when your data is running low or you’re abroad. But public Wi-Fi is shared with strangers, and scammers know that. Here’s how to use it safely, and what to do instead when it matters.
What’s the Risk?
Others on the same network. On an open network, other people may be able to see some of what your device sends, especially on websites and apps that aren’t well protected.
Fake networks. A scammer can set up a hotspot called “Free Airport WiFi” or the name of a nearby cafe. If you join, they may see what you do.
Fake sign-in pages. Some networks send you to a page that asks for your email, phone number or even your credit card, to get “free” access.
Harmful software can spread through unsafe connections.
Most websites and apps today scramble your information, which helps. But it’s still best to be careful, especially for anything that involves money or passwords.
Smart Habits
Ask staff for the exact network name and password. In a hotel, airport or cafe, a sign or an employee can tell you which network is real. Be wary of names like “Free WiFi” or names that are almost right.
Skip the sensitive stuff. Avoid banking, online shopping and entering passwords on public Wi-Fi. If you need to do those, switch to your phone’s cellular data instead.
Never enter a credit card to get “free” Wi-Fi. Hotels may ask for a room number and last name, which is normal. A request for a card isn’t.
Look for a secure connection. Websites that start with https and show a padlock are scrambled, though the padlock alone doesn’t guarantee a site is real.
Use official apps (your bank’s own app, for example) rather than a website you found through a link.
Log out of accounts when you’re done.
Set Up Your Phone
Turn off automatic joining. On an iPhone, open Settings, Wi-Fi, tap the “i” beside a network, and turn off Auto-Join. On Android, open the network’s settings and turn off auto reconnect. Menu names vary by phone.
Forget the network when you’re done. Tap the network and choose Forget This Network (or Forget).
Turn off Wi-Fi and Bluetooth when you aren’t using them. On an iPhone, you can also set AirDrop to Contacts Only or Receiving Off.
Ask before joining. If your phone has a setting that asks before joining networks, leave it on.
A Safer Option: Your Phone’s Hotspot
If you need to use a laptop or tablet, your phone’s personal hotspot is much safer than a public network. It uses your own phone’s cellular data to give the other device internet.
iPhone: Settings, Personal Hotspot.
Android: Settings, Network & internet, Hotspot & tethering (the path varies).
Check that your phone plan includes hotspot use, since some plans limit it. Choose a strong password for the hotspot.
What About a VPN?
A VPN is a service that adds an extra layer of privacy on public networks. A reputable paid one can help, but it isn’t magic, and free VPNs can be risky or collect your data. If you’re not sure, the habits above are the best protection.
A Bonus Tip: Public Charging Ports
Authorities have warned about the small chance of harmful software through public USB charging stations. It’s safer to use your own charger plugged into a wall outlet, or to carry a portable battery.
Keep Everything Else Up To Date
Install your phone’s software updates before you travel.
Turn on two-step verification for your email and bank.
Check your statements after your trip.
If You Think You Were Caught
If you entered a password or card number on a suspicious network or page, change your password right away from a safe connection, check your accounts, and call your bank using the number on your card.
If you’d like help preparing your phone for a trip, a Kendera Global session can go through these settings with you, step by step.
