Do you logon to every available open Wi-Fi whenever you’re at the airport lounge, cafes or restaurants? Logger Beware. Danger is lurking at any one of these open Wi-Fi hotspots.
Wi-Fi is one of the most vulnerable networks. Guest Wi-Fi’s can be particularly problematic if you’re using it to for you online banking transactions.
According to Dr Magda Chelly, “it does not matter if the Wi-Fi network is secured. Hospitality industry is definitely a great example where convenience takes a higher priority than security.”
There are listening tools that hackers use to eavesdrop on your Wi-Fi communication. So, if you’re sending confidential information across the network, the hackers will know what you’ve been up to.
There have been cases where banking tokens were stolen from the hotel room after the guest used e-banking services. The hackers now have vital information about your account and may use it to steal or transfer money out of your account.
One popular method is tagging your emails from the bank as spam. That way, you won’t get the notifications from your bank.
What are the security precautions that one needs to take while travelling?
Pay attention to the places that you travel to. Some developing countries are notorious for cyber-crimes. They have high unemployment rates and cyber crime is a lucrative business for them.
If you’re traveling use your Wi-Fi hotspot on your mobile to transact. It is usually safer that way.
All travellers should adhere to a minimum travel security hygiene, especially If planning a business travel to a high-risk destination. All high-risk travellers
should be very cautious not only for their physical security but as well their digital security.
TOP 5 things to note when you are traveling
Dr Chelly Magda has given a list of things that you need to do when you travel on business or leisure.
- Ensure that you have a PIN on your laptop and on your phones, so if the device gets stolen or lost, no one can access your data.
- Ensure that your laptop/phone is encrypted, the reason is similar to the above however, if you are a target for an attack, the PIN will not protect access to your data as it could still be retrieved. I usually advise disk encryption and file encryption.
- Ensure using VPN, when connected to any networks.
- Buy privacy screens for your laptops and phones.
- Do not blindly trust safe boxes in the hotels, they might be misconfigured and often they are just cheap alternatives
I we can add one more thing. Be paranoid and keep checking for anomalies on your digital equipment. Travel Safe.