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Using hotel Wi-Fi can be risky, and the National Security Agency (NSA) advises that connecting to a public hotspot that hasn’t been established securely can put your personal information at risk. Therefore when connecting to open wireless networks like those found in hotels, you must be careful about your security and privacy. In this article, we will look at the risks of utilizing hotel Wi-Fi and how to keep yourself safe from hackers.
What are the dangers of unsecured hotel Wi-Fi?
Over 560,000 new pieces of malware are detected every day, and when you use an unprotected Wi-Fi network, hackers can use these programs to track your every move online. As a result, anybody who can intercept an unsecured hotel Wi-Fi connection may listen in as you type your passwords, login credentials, banking information, and other sensitive information.
Here are some of the dangers of using unprotected public Wi-Fi:
Your private data can be stolen: Hackers can steal your important data and passwords by infiltrating your device over insecure public Wi-Fi.
Stalking: When you use unprotected public Wi-Fi, anyone may monitor your internet activity. See which websites you are browsing, which can directly violate your privacy.
Malware: Through unsecured public networks, a cybercriminal can infect your device with malware which can be used to expose your text messages, photos, and other personal information you may have on your phone.
How to stay safe on hotel Wi-Fi
Here’s how to be safe while using hotel and other public Wi-Fi networks:
- Keep your devices up to date and enable firewalls and other built-in security features.
- Don’t engage in any sensitive activities, such as banking or entering personal information when you are on a hotel Wi-Fi.
- When possible, avoid signing into websites, applications, or other platforms.
- Use mobile data instead of public Wi-Fi
- Install a reliable VPN
Here’s why you should use a VPN when traveling.
It may not always be possible to use mobile data, especially when you are traveling to a different country. So instead of compromising on privacy, you may try VPN for free. But did you know that a VPN comes with an array of features that can make your stay at the hotel a pleasant experience? Here is a list of things you can unlock using a VPN:
Unlimited device support: If you have a VPN on your phone but not on your laptop, you will still have privacy concerns. Therefore, all devices, whether they belong to you or your family member, must be connected to the VPN. While most VPN providers only support a specific number of devices, surfshark vpn allows unlimited devices to be associated with one account.
Enjoy Internet freedom: You will be surprised by how many restrictions exist when browsing the internet in different countries. Many countries outright ban social media websites like Facebook and Twitter, so a VPN allows you to circumvent the restrictions and allow you to browse your favorite websites safely.
Block inappropriate ads and pop-ups: Whether you are on a business trip or vacation with family, inappropriate ads or pop-ups can be annoying. This usually happens at the most inconvenient of times and can be embarrassing. Thankfully, VPN can block all these pop-ups to ensure a great experience.
Change your location: Many websites and contents on the internet are country-specific, meaning if you move to a different part of the world, you may not have access to your favorite programs. VPN allows you to locate your location in one click quickly and unlock all your favorite shows and remove any restrictions that are in place.
Bottom line: Is hotel Wi-Fi secure?
Most hotel Wi-Fi is not secured and is often targeted by hackers to exploit personal data. Therefore it is highly recommended to download a reliable VPN before you start browsing the internet.
