Why you shouldn’t use free wifi abroad to check your bank account
Hackers can also steal your personal details when you log on to social media apps like Facebook and Instagram
LOGGING on to the hotel wifi to save you from using data can stop you from being hit with a huge phone bill when you get home.
But using it to check your bank account whilst on holiday could actually be putting your cash at risk.
This is because often free public wifi connections are not secure and can easily be hacked.
The scam is known Man in the Middle Attack and it’s a bit complicated but bear with us.
Because public wifi connections aren’ encrypted, hackers can intercept the information that’s being sent from the device you’re using, like your phone, laptop or tablet.
Generally, if you’re surfing the web to check up on the news then the likelihood that hackers would be able to get any of your personal details are slim.
How to protect yourself when using public wifi
HERE are a few tips from Action Fraud on how to stay safe when surfing the web on public wifi:
- Find out how secure the network is before logging on. For example, ask an employee at the location that’s providing the connection and ask for information about their access point – such as the connection’s name and IP address.
- Use a trusted Virtual Private Network (VPN) service in order to secure your traffic. It will encrypt all of your data that passes through the network making it harder to steal.
- Use your mobile data if you really can’t trust the connect but be aware of any extra costs.
- While you’re connected, don’t download apps or install updates.
- Avoid accessing your emails, social network accounts or online banking services.
- Don’t online shop because it can reveal your financial details.
But if you’re online buying something or logging in to check your bank account then the scammers can intercept and steal your information.
They might be able to find this in your emails or stored credit card and security passwords.
Fraudsters can also find personal details via your social media accounts like Facebook and Instagram.
They can then use that information to steal money from your account or spend on your behalf.
The best way to avoid becoming a victim is to use a secure VPN which encrypts all of your data that passes through the wifi or use your phone data.
If you’re holidaying in Europe then you won’t be charged extra for using the data that’s included in your package abroad.
But the same rules don’t apply for data roaming in countries outside of Europe and you could be slapped with unexpected charges.
Travellers who are with 3 Mobile can use their data abroad across 71 countries with no extra cost.
But be wary of hitting your data limit. Arron Coles learned the hard way and was horrified when he came home from a 10-day holiday in Egypt to discover he’d racked up a £2,682 bill.
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