In recent days, a piece of news has caused panic among travelers, who have always been used to relying on public Wi-Fi at the airport to entertain themselves before a flight, check the news, or simply post about their trip in real time on social media.
According to reports from numerous news outlets, such as La Repubblica, more than eight million travelers passing through Manchester, Stansted and East Midlands airports had their data stolen. The cyberattack on the three airports and the data theft mainly resulted in suspicious phone calls and the receipt of SMS messages containing fraudulent links.
All travelers were advised not to answer phone numbers they do not recognize and to avoid clicking on links contained in SMS messages or received via email.
Why is public Wi-Fi at airport not safe?
The problem is not the airport Wi-Fi itself; the problem is having your data pass through a network that you do not control.
Public networks, such as those at airports, are often very crowded, and it is difficult to know who manages them. But that’s not all: given the large number of users constantly trying to connect to these networks, malicious actors often create “fake networks” that imitate the airport’s name and “login pages” designed to steal your data.
So the problem is not only the possibility of the Wi-Fi network itself being hacked because, let’s be honest, cases like the one that occurred in recent days are RARE. However, public Wi-Fi networks can hide other small pitfalls that would be better avoided.
If you are forced to use public Wi-Fi, make sure you are connected to the official network. If you are asked for any kind of login, perhaps avoid using your primary email address and instead use one specifically dedicated to situations like these, which is not linked to particularly sensitive data or payment methods… and ABOVE ALL, avoid carrying out banking transactions.
What alternatives are there to public Wi-Fi when traveling?
Not to blow our own trumpet (or maybe just a little), but the best option for staying connected while traveling is to have your own mobile internet connection, and the simplest solution is undoubtedly an eSIM.
When you are traveling, having a data eSIM means having direct access to the mobile network of the country you are in, without having to rely on public Wi-Fi networks such as those at hotels, bars or airports. Quibity eSIMs are purchased and installed before you leave, and then activated through your smartphone settings as soon as you arrive at your destination, so you have immediate access to the local network as soon as you arrive abroad!
This does not mean that your phone will be immune to cyberattacks when using an eSIM. Security also always depends on the device itself, the apps you use and your online habits (perhaps avoid visiting “dodgy websites” on the same smartphone you use to make online payments…). However, having a personal data connection, such as the one provided by an eSIM, eliminates the risk associated with using public Wi-Fi.
In short, with a Quibity eSIM we cannot prevent you from accessing potentially dangerous websites. A little “digital responsibility” is still in your hands, but we can prevent your only way of accessing the internet from being through insecure Wi-Fi networks.
Discover everything you need to know about eSIMs in our dedicated article.
How can I protect myself from online scams if my data has been stolen?
If you have passed through the airports that were attacked and used public Wi-Fi, we recommend that you:
- Do not click on links contained in SMS messages. Instead, contact the company/brand that supposedly sent the SMS through its official channels, not using the number that contacted you.
- Do not click on links contained in suspicious emails. But how can you recognize a suspicious email? Always check the sender’s email address. A bank or social media platform will never contact you from Gmail, Yahoo, etc.; they will always use email addresses with their own domain. If in doubt, the previous advice still applies: contact the website that supposedly contacted you directly through its official channels.
- If you do not recognize the number calling you, do not answer. Instead, send a message on WhatsApp asking who is calling, or search for the number on Google to check whether it has been reported as a scam or spam number.
Furthermore, with our eSIMs, which provide data-only connectivity, you do not have to change your phone number and you can make calls via WhatsApp. So, if a friend or family member is traveling abroad and you do not want to risk missing a call from them because you “don’t answer unknown numbers,” recommend that they use a Quibity eSIM. That way, they can call you from their usual number through any apps that support voice calls!
Preparing your connection before you leave is one of the easiest ways to travel with fewer worries.
With an eSIM, you have access to the internet as soon as you arrive at your destination and can stay connected without having to search for free public Wi-Fi.
Don’t get caught unprepared or expose yourself to unnecessary risks. Choose Quibity eSIMs for your next trip!
