Free Wi-Fi has become a standard part of hotel service, and most travelers connect to it without a second thought. But cybersecurity experts warn that public hotel networks can put personal data at risk, particularly when guests use them for banking, work or other sensitive tasks, according to SlashGear.
The first problem arises before a guest even connects. Users need to confirm that a Wi-Fi network genuinely belongs to the hotel, since hackers have learned to set up their own access points with names similar to the official hotel network. As a result, a traveler may see a familiar-looking hotel name in the list of available networks and connect without verifying it is genuine.
Once connected to a fake network, any data sent over it can be exposed. Experts say a matching network name alone is not enough proof of authenticity, and travelers should confirm the exact network name and password with hotel staff before connecting.
Past attacks on hotel networks
Even an official hotel network does not guarantee complete safety. There have been previous attacks tied to hotel infrastructure, one of the most notable being the Darkhotel campaign, in which hackers infected computers inside hotels and used fake software updates to gain access to the data of high-profile guests and senior executives at major companies.
Experts disagree on exactly how risky it is to connect to hotel Wi-Fi. However, even those who consider the risk relatively low recommend avoiding these networks when handling confidential information.
Specifically, experts advise against checking bank accounts, carrying out financial transactions or entering other sensitive personal data over hotel Wi-Fi unless absolutely necessary. Where possible, mobile data should be used instead for such tasks.
How to use hotel Wi-Fi safely
Above all, travelers should confirm that the network they are joining actually belongs to the hotel. If confidential data must be handled, experts recommend using a smartphone's mobile hotspot instead of the hotel's Wi-Fi.
This is not merely excessive caution. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) considers the threats linked to hotel Wi-Fi networks serious enough to officially advise travelers to avoid using them for important tasks altogether, or at the very least to follow strict precautions.
FBI guidance for travelers
If connecting to a hotel network is unavoidable, the FBI recommends using a VPN to encrypt network traffic. The agency also advises installing all software updates promptly and running a reliable security or antivirus application.
Ultimately, the safest option is to avoid connecting to hotel Wi-Fi altogether unless there is a pressing need. Experts' assessments of the real danger of these networks vary, but where it is possible to reduce potential exposure, it is worth doing so.
