Be careful on vacation: 90% of cell phone users put their data at risk!

Be careful on vacation: 90% of cell phone users put their data at risk!

With the ongoing rush of the holiday season nearing its peak, many travelers are faced with the challenge of using their digital devices safely. According to a recent survey by YouGov on behalf of Kaspersky, 90 percent of cell phone users are at risk, while 15 percent even access public Wi-Fi without any protective measures. These numbers highlight the risks associated with using unsecured networks, especially in countries where hotel Wi-Fi is also relied upon.

Public Wi-Fi is popular, but it poses significant risks. These unsecured networks are often widespread not only in Germany, but worldwide. 28 percent of respondents say they avoid entering passwords or banking information on insecure networks. Nevertheless, 12 percent use personal Wi-Fi hotspots through tethering to secure their connections. Only around 10 percent rely on VPN services to protect their data traffic. However, travelers should be careful that not all VPN providers are reliable, as some can also put data at risk.

Risks from unsecured networks

The dangers associated with unencrypted public WiFi hotspots are serious. Attackers can inject malware and spy on users. It is therefore particularly important not only to use a VPN client, but also to pay attention to encrypted websites. These can be identified by “https://” in the address, with a green symbol or padlock often indicating the site’s security. However, even an “https://” does not guarantee the seriousness of the website.

The consumer advice center advises deactivating file or directory sharing to prevent unwanted access to personal files. Another security risk is fake Wi-Fi networks, which criminals can use to lure unsuspecting users into prepared networks. To protect yourself from this, it is advisable to delete saved networks regularly to avoid being unintentionally connected to such fake networks.

Measures to secure data

To feel safer on public Wi-Fi, users should take a few precautions. The recommendations include using a VPN tunnel that encrypts the data exchange between the end device and the router. There are various programs or apps from providers, and experienced users can even set up their own VPN server.

Using public Wi-Fi networks is unavoidable in many countries, especially for travelers. However, it is important to educate yourself about the potential risks and take appropriate measures to ensure your own digital security. For more information on this topic offer Inside Digital and Consumer advice center comprehensive resources.