Common mistakes that make tourists lose all the money in their accounts
A common travel practice, connecting to public Wi-Fi, can make you a victim of cybercrime. Experts warn that you can lose both your credit card information and your privacy in just a few seconds of carelessness.
More and more tourists are becoming targets of cybercriminals while enjoying their vacations. According to warnings from security experts at the US security company McAfee, one of the most common but potentially risky mistakes is connecting to unsecured public Wi-Fi at places such as airports, hotels, restaurants, gyms or parks.
The problem is, any information you send over public Wi-Fi can be intercepted and read, including credit card information, bank account passwords, text messages, or even personal emails.
“Unencrypted public Wi-Fi networks are a golden opportunity for hackers,” McAfee said. “They can easily intercept your traffic, collect sensitive data, and silently drain money from your bank account without you even knowing.”
The US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) have also issued similar warnings, advising people to absolutely not access bank accounts or conduct financial transactions while connected to public Wi-Fi.
Not only Wi-Fi networks, social networks are also "loopholes" for criminals to act.
Another common mistake when traveling is posting photos and real-time location updates on social media. This may seem harmless, but it unintentionally reveals information about when you’re away from home, making it a “cue point” for both traditional thieves and hackers.
“Sharing your travel itinerary publicly can make you a target for cyberattacks or theft,” McAfee warns. “It’s best to wait until the end of your trip to post photos and content.”
Beware of fake emails and messages
When we're on vacation, we're often less vigilant about strange emails or messages, especially when they pretend to be from an airline, hotel or bank, reporting a problem with a reservation or payment.
“Do not click on links or download attachments from suspicious emails, especially if they ask for personal or financial information,” McAfee stresses.
Instead, verify information by contacting the organization directly through its official website or trusted phone number, never replying directly to an email or text message.
Virtual Private Network: A technological shield to protect personal data
The solution recommended by security experts is to use a virtual private network (VPN) when you are forced to access the Internet via public Wi-Fi. VPNs work by encrypting your entire Internet connection, helping to hide your browsing activity from hackers and third parties.
“With a VPN, if hackers try to monitor your network traffic, all they get is encrypted, meaningless data,” McAfee said.
VPNs are legal in most countries like the US, Canada, and European countries, but are banned in some places with heavy censorship like North Korea, Iran, Belarus, and Turkmenistan. However, if you are traveling to popular countries, installing and using a VPN is completely feasible and should be considered the minimum action to protect yourself.
Additionally, VPNs can prevent advertisers and apps from tracking your online behavior, helping you maintain privacy throughout your trip.
Simple yet effective tips to stay safe when using public Wi-Fi
- Always check the website URL address starts with “https” and a lock icon.
- Turn off the automatic Wi-Fi connection feature on mobile devices.
- Do not access bank accounts, e-wallets or sensitive services.
- Use a VPN whenever possible.
- Do not share photos or real-time location information on social networks.
In short, a memorable vacation shouldn’t come with the hassle of losing money or exposing personal information. As conveniences like public Wi-Fi, social media, and email become more prevalent, proactively protecting your data is more important than ever.
With just a few minutes of preparation, such as installing a VPN, adjusting your sharing habits or checking your connection, you can avoid serious losses, making your trip truly safe and complete./.