3 Things to Consider Before Using Public Wi-Fi at Airports

4 hours ago 1

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Airport facilities are designed to provide convenience for travelers, and Wi-Fi networks are no exception. However, experts warn of caution while using public Wi-Fi, as people often overlook the risk of data theft by cybercriminals.

According to a recent survey released by Forbes Advisor of 2,000 internet users, approximately 40 percent of Americans have experienced data breaches while using public Wi-Fi. However, 23 percent of users consider public Wi-Fi to be completely safe, while 43 percent believe it is fairly safe.

Cybercrime Vulnerabilities

According to experts, public Wi-Fi is a shared internet connection, often through unsecured networks. Therefore, it is susceptible to exploitation by hackers to intercept data such as credit card details or account passwords, and to install malware on consumer devices.

Travelers often have plenty of downtime before their flights. With unstable cellular connections, public Wi-Fi at airports becomes a choice for internet browsing or checking social media.

“It’s definitely among the worst things you can do at an airport,” said Matthew Hicks, a cybersecurity expert and associate professor of computer science at Virginia Tech, to Travel + Leisur e.

According to data from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), cybercrime losses are projected to exceed US$16 billion, or around Rp262 trillion, by 2024. Personal data breaches are among the most commonly reported incidents.

Chad Yarbrough, director of operations for the FBI's cyber and criminal unit, stated that nearly all aspects of life are digitally connected, making the surface of attack for cybercriminals grow exponentially.

How to Safely Using Public Wi-Fi

There are several things to consider when using public Wi-Fi. First, travelers must make sure that they are indeed connecting to the airport's official Wi-Fi network. Similar networks with names resembling the official Wi-Fi network may appear.

John Breyault, vice president of public policy, telecommunications, and fraud at the National Consumers League, a consumer advocacy group, illustrated that unassuming travelers may log into a fake airport Wi-Fi and get tricked into a criminal-controlled network. "Make sure [the network] is the one run by the airport, and not someone setting up a honeypot," said John Breyault.

Matthew Hicks added that travelers should ask airport staff if they are unsure about the Wi-Fi network provided by the airport. The second safest way to access the internet at the airport, he suggested, is by using a personal internet hotspot.

Breyault stated that personal cellular connections, as opposed to public Wi-Fi networks, are much safer for personal data as they do not share connections with everyone at the airport. Additionally, using devices with a "virtual private network" or VPN can provide an extra layer of security through encrypted connections.

Third, he warned travelers against accessing financial accounts, emails, social media, or other sensitive accounts through airport Wi-Fi. "Anything you do on airport Wi-Fi should be something you’d be comfortable with the rest of the world knowing about," he said.

Editor’s Choice: Indonesia Can Finally Enjoy Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7, What Are They?

Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News

BNPT Discloses Bomb Threat Message Sent to Saudia Airlines Carrying Hajj Pilgrims

23 jam lalu

BNPT Discloses Bomb Threat Message Sent to Saudia Airlines Carrying Hajj Pilgrims

The bomb threat was directed to the email of the Saudia Airlines SV-5276 aircraft on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, around 07:30 AM WIB.

What Not to Wear: 6 Items to Avoid on Air Travel

1 hari lalu

What Not to Wear: 6 Items to Avoid on Air Travel

It is important to pay attention to the clothing and accessories worn during air travel for comfort and safety

Indonesian Govt Deploys Sea Transportation in Response to Mount Lewotobi Eruption

2 hari lalu

Indonesian Govt Deploys Sea Transportation in Response to Mount Lewotobi Eruption

The Ministry of Transportation ensures the readiness of sea transportation as an emergency alternative for tourists and residents affected by the eruption of Mount Lewotobi in East Flores Regency, East Nusa Tenggara Province.

7 Smallest International Airports in the U.S., From Texas to Hawaii

2 hari lalu