Traveling This Holiday Season? Stay Safe on Public Wi-Fi

Whether you're heading home for the holidays, gearing up for a winter getaway, or squeezing in a little remote work between family gatherings, chances are you’ll be relying on public Wi-Fi at some point. Airports, hotels, coffee shops, and rest stops all offer convenient (and often free) ways to get online, but that convenience can come with hidden risks.

Before you connect on the go, here’s what you should know to keep your personal information safe this holiday travel season.

Why Public Wi-Fi Can Be Risky
When you hop on an open network, you don’t always know who set it up, or who else is connected. Cybercriminals often take advantage of busy travel periods, knowing people are distracted and looking for the quickest connection.

Here are a few common risks:

1. Unsecured Networks
Many public networks don’t encrypt your data, meaning anything you send – emails, passwords, browsing activity – could be visible to someone with the right tools.

2. Rogue Hotspots
Hackers sometimes create fake networks with names that mimic legitimate ones, like “Airport_Free_WiFi” or “Hotel Guest WiFi”. If you accidentally connect, they can capture everything you do online.

3. Man-in-the-Middle Attacks
This happens when someone secretly intercepts the information passing between your device and the internet. They can potentially see login credentials, messages, and even payment details.

4. Malware and Other Surprises
Some attackers use public networks to push malware onto devices with outdated software.

Holiday Travel Safety Tips for Using Public Wi-Fi
You don’t have to avoid public Wi-Fi altogether, just use it smartly. These simple habits can make a big difference.

Use a VPN
A virtual private network encrypts your online activity, keeping your data hidden even on unsecured networks.

Avoid Sensitive Tasks
Save online shopping checkouts, banking, and anything requiring personal info for when you’re on a trusted, private connection.

Stick to HTTPS Websites
Look for the little lock icon in your browser. HTTPS means your connection to that website is encrypted.

Disable Auto-Connect
Don’t let your device hop onto any open network without your permission.

Turn Off File Sharing. 
This prevents others on the same network from seeing or accessing your files.

Keep Your Device Updated 
Install system and app updates before you hit the road, they often include important security patches.

Use Strong Passwords + Two-Factor Authentication 
If someone does get your password, 2FA can still stop them from accessing your accounts.

Log Out and “Forget” the Network When You’re Done
This prevents automatic reconnection the next time you’re nearby.

How to Spot an Unsafe Network
Be cautious if you notice:

• Super generic network names like “Free Wi-Fi”
• A secure site (like your financial institution) loads without HTTPS
• Lots of pop-ups or sudden slowdowns after you connect
• Constant disconnects or unusual activity on your device

If anything feels “off,” trust your instincts and disconnect.

Make Wi-Fi Safety Part of Your Holiday Routine
With a little awareness and a few quick precautions, you can stay connected and stay secure—whether you’re streaming a movie at the airport gate, checking emails from your hotel room, or mapping your route to the next holiday event.

Safe travels, and happy holidays!