Vacation 2025: Germans' Wi-Fi fears - How to protect yourself!

Vacation 2025: Germans' Wi-Fi fears - How to protect yourself!

Almost 82 percent of Germans value stable WiFi access while on vacation. According to a survey by dayticket.io It is particularly young adults who are hardly interested in accommodation without WiFi. While only 0.6 percent of 18 to 29 year olds make such a choice, the figure is 1.9 percent of 30 to 39 year olds. In the older segment, those aged 40 to 49, this number rises to 9.6 percent.

Despite the high demand for Wi-Fi, Germans are also concerned about the security risks associated with public networks. 32.4 percent of respondents said they had concerns, with women (35 percent) in particular being more concerned about security risks than men (30 percent). However, the biggest worry when traveling remains the loss or theft of devices, which 44.1 percent of Germans find to be their greatest fear. Here men (47.9 percent) are disproportionately affected.

Safety concerns and risks

In addition to worries about losing devices, financial risks are also a high priority: 37.9 percent fear a possible credit card hack, with the figures for men (38.4 percent) and women (37.3 percent) being almost the same. Fear of identity theft is the fourth most common concern at 31.4 percent and primarily affects women (33.2 percent). Virus infection, however, was only perceived as a relevant concern by 16.4 percent of those surveyed.

The Federal Office for Information Security (BSI) offers comprehensive recommendations for the use of WLAN, especially in public networks. The authority emphasizes the risks that unsecured routers bring with them. Attackers can access personal data due to a lack of security, which can lead to significant financial loss. Therefore, it is advised to change the default passwords and ensure that the firmware is updated regularly. Also, the WiFi password should be at least 20 characters and the default network name should be changed to hide security information.

Practical tips for safe surfing on holiday

The BSI also recommends deactivating router functions that are not required and being careful when using public WiFi networks. Users are advised to only activate their Wi-Fi function when necessary and to access sensitive data via a VPN if possible.

With these precautions in mind, vacationers can satisfy their need for digital connection without compromising their safety. The balance between relaxation and connectivity remains crucial, especially at a time when the internet has become an integral part of travel. To further increase security, it is advisable to follow the BSI's advice in order to be well protected in the online world.