While free Wi-Fi at the hotel is a convenience, if you don’t connect to the correct network, you may be exposing yourself to unnecessary cybersecurity risks. There’s one quick and simple precautionary measure travelers should take before logging in to a hotel’s free Wi-Fi: double-check the name of the official Wi-Fi network.
Handy gear offers travelers a list of things to look out for before using public Internet connections, along with steps to mitigate risks when using them.
Confirm the Network Name With the Hotel
A strong signal doesn’t mean a network is genuine. The FBI cautions that an “evil twin” Wi-Fi network, very similar in name to the hotel’s network, can be set up by criminals. Anyone joining the fake network can unwittingly expose their device and online activity to criminals.
When making the connection, ask the front desk for the exact network name and the steps to log in to the hotel’s network. Then check it against the network list on your device.
Why Fake Wi-Fi Networks Are Dangerous
Hotel networks can have numerous users and may offer fewer security controls than a private home network. The FTC warns that criminals can exploit vulnerabilities in public Wi-Fi networks to spy on users’ Internet activity or to divert them to fake login pages.
An impostor network can be especially confusing, since it may use a well-known hotel name or similar language. The mere fact that this hotel’s name appears in a list of Wi-Fi hotspots doesn’t mean the network is safe to use.
Turn Off Automatic Wi-Fi Connections
Your device might retain the names of the networks that you have used in the past or automatically join available wireless networks. The FBI cautions travelers to be careful when connecting to public Wi-Fi and, if they must use an unsecured hotspot, to take additional precautions.
Turn off automatic Wi-Fi connections in your device settings before you travel. That way your phone won’t join a network without you choosing it. Avoid connecting to unverified networks, including those that appear to imitate the hotel’s official network.
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Avoid Sensitive Activities
Although you’ve established the hotel has Wi-Fi service, public Wi-Fi should still be used with caution. The FBI advises people to steer clear of activities that could be dangerous, such as using a bank account, when they are using unsecured hotspots.
Your phone’s hotspot is a safer option for anything sensitive. A reputable VPN can encrypt network traffic and provide an additional layer of security when you’re using hotel Wi-Fi.
Keep Your Device Protected
Check for and install security fixes for the operating system and software before traveling. The FBI also advises keeping security or antivirus software up to date and making regular backups of valuable information.
If the device is connected to the hotel’s Wi-Fi, use its public-network security settings and disable features that allow other devices on the network to discover or access it. For accounts that offer multi-factor authentication, it can be another line of defense for securing them.
Make the Network Check a Travel Habit
An important first step in hotel Wi-Fi security is verifying the network before you connect. Ensure that the front desk confirms the correct Wi-Fi network name and login procedure, then compare that information with the network shown on your device. Avoid connecting just because a network name includes the hotel’s name or because the network has a strong signal.
If you can’t verify a network, don’t use it; use your phone’s mobile data instead. Taking a few seconds to confirm the network, turn off automatic connections, and steer clear of sensitive transactions on public Wi-Fi can reduce your risk of common public Wi-Fi scams while traveling.
