Protecting Your Devices and Personal Information While Traveling
Public Wi-Fi safety is something every traveler should think about before leaving home. Connecting to Wi-Fi has become almost automatic when we travel. We check into a hotel, arrive at an airport, or sit down in an airline lounge, and one of the first things we do is connect our phones, tablets, and laptops to the available Wi-Fi network.
But in 2026, a recently uncovered cyberattack targeting hotel Wi-Fi networks is an important reminder that travelers need to be careful about how they connect to the internet while away from home.
Security researchers have reported attacks involving compromised hotel and hospitality Wi-Fi networks and the captive portals travelers encounter when connecting. These are the familiar web pages that might ask for your room number, email address, or acceptance of the property’s internet terms.
In some cases, attackers can manipulate these systems to redirect travelers to fake login pages or convince them to download malicious software.
And the risk isn’t limited to hotels.
Public Wi-Fi Safety at Airports and Hotels
Airports, airport lounges, cafés, cruise terminals, and other public places commonly offer complimentary Wi-Fi.
One concern is connecting to a fraudulent network designed to look legitimate. An attacker might create a network with a convincing name resembling the airport, hotel, or lounge network.
Once connected, travelers could potentially be directed to fraudulent websites or login pages designed to steal passwords and other information.
So, what should you do?
Use Cellular Data Whenever Practical
For most travelers, one of the simplest ways to reduce exposure to public Wi-Fi is to avoid it when practical.
Your smartphone’s cellular connection is generally preferable to an unfamiliar public Wi-Fi network. If you’re traveling with a laptop or tablet, you can also use your phone’s personal hotspot to connect those devices to the internet.
When traveling internationally, an international cellular plan or eSIM can make this increasingly practical.
What About Using a VPN?
A reputable virtual private network, or VPN, creates an encrypted connection between your device and the VPN provider.
Using a VPN can provide an additional layer of privacy and security when using hotel, airport, or other public Wi-Fi.
However, a VPN doesn’t protect you from every threat. If you connect to a fraudulent Wi-Fi network and are tricked into entering your password into a fake website or installing malicious software, a VPN won’t necessarily prevent that.
That’s why we prefer to think of a VPN as an additional security layer rather than a substitute for good judgment.
Seven Ways to Stay Safer on Public Wi-Fi
- Use cellular data or your personal hotspot whenever practical.
- Verify the correct Wi-Fi network name with the hotel, airport lounge or other provider before connecting.
- Consider using a reputable VPN when connecting to public Wi-Fi.
- Never install software or browser updates because a public Wi-Fi login screen tells you to.
- Be suspicious if a Wi-Fi portal unexpectedly asks for your Microsoft, Google, Apple or other account credentials.
- Keep your devices and security software updated before leaving home.
- Use multifactor authentication or passkeys on important accounts whenever available.
Final Thoughts
Public Wi-Fi is convenient, and millions of travelers use it every day without incident. There’s no reason to become afraid of connecting to the internet while traveling.
But cybercriminals know that travelers are frequently distracted, moving quickly and connecting to unfamiliar networks.
Our approach is simple: when practical, use your cellular connection or personal hotspot first. If you need to use hotel, airport, or other public Wi-Fi, verify the network, consider using a VPN, and be very cautious about unexpected login requests or software downloads.
A little preparation and attention to public Wi-Fi safety can help keep your devices—and your personal information—safer while you travel.
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This article was written with the aid of ChatGPT. Roaming Boomers Travel Services is an independent affiliate of Cadence and a Virtuoso® member. CST#201120-40
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