Criminals can ‘easily intercept credit card info and texts’ on phone if you make common vacation mistake, experts warn
FRAUDSTERS are clearing out holidaymakers’ bank accounts by accessing personal credit card information and even texts.
But, there is one crucial action to help stop you becoming yet another scamming victim while on vacation, say experts.
Public Wi-Fi networks are often offered in airports, hotels, gyms, restaurants and public parks in the United States.
But, they pose significant security risks, said antivirus software experts McAfee.
The online protection firm has published a range of advice to help Americans watch out for scams, particularly while traveling – when they might let their guard down.
Hackers can easily intercept data transmitted over public Wi-Fi networks, it said.
This includes accessing unsuspecting travelers’ login credentials, their credit card information, and personal messages.
“Avoid accessing sensitive accounts or conducting financial transactions while connected to public Wi-Fi,” it added.
“Instead, use a virtual private network (VPN) to encrypt your internet connection and protect your data from prying eyes.”
VPN PRIVACY
VPNs – or virtual private network – are pieces of software that will offer you far greater levels of online privacy and security.
When activated, it changes the “address” of a computer, laptop, tablet or mobile.
They can help secure your browsing on public Wi-Fi, and overseas – although they are banned in some countries.
VPNs are legal in most countries around the world, including the US, Canada, and most of Europe.
However, VPNs are illegal in North Korea, Belarus, Oman, Iraq, and Turkmenistan, said NordVPN.
That’s because VPNs are illegal in countries with governments that practice online surveillance or censorship.
“If any malicious actors try to intercept your web traffic, they’ll only see garbled content thanks to your VPN’s encryption functionality,” said McAfee.
You can also use a VPN to help stop advertisers from tracking you.
SENSITIVE DATA
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) also has advice on connecting to public Wi-Fi networks.
“Public Wi-Fi networks, or hotspots, in coffee shops, malls, airports, hotels, and other places are convenient,” said its website.
“When you connect to a website, information travels from your device to the website.
“That could include sensitive data like the log in information for your financial, email, or social media accounts.”
The FTC said those using public Wi-Fi networks should double-check the connection is encrypted.
“Look for a lock symbol or https in the address bar to the left of the website address. This works on a mobile browser, too.”
Avoid accessing sensitive accounts or conducting financial transactions while connected to public Wi-Fi.
McAfee
The FBI also recommends extreme caution when connecting to such hotspots.
“Be careful when connecting to a public Wi-Fi network and do not conduct any sensitive transactions, including purchases, when on a public network,” it said.
What is a VPN? Virtual private networks explained
Here's what you need to know...
- A VPN, or virtual private network, is a type of app or comptuer program that protects your online privacy
- There are many situations where using a VPN can help enhance your safety, or help you to access content you may otherwise not be able to get to
- For example, if you don’t want to share your real IP address with a website you’re using, accessing it via a VPN will conceal your real IP address from the website
- You can also use a VPN if you’re trying to access a site that is regularly blocked from a public internet connection. Of course, we’re not suggesting you visit any nefarious sites using your school or work internet, but it might be that you need to access a social media site that maybe blocked
- Finally, if you’re accessing a public, unsecured wifi network, maybe in your local coffee shop or airport, you have absolutely no way of knowing whether that is a safe network or not
- Using these open networks could invite criminal hackers to steal your sensitive data. Using a VPN in this instance helps keep your files and data private and safe from prying eyes
McAfee has also told travelers to be wary of over-sharing vacation photos and updates on social media.
“Posting your location in real time or sharing details about your travel itinerary can make you a target for thieves and cybercriminals,” it said.
“Consider waiting to post travel updates until you are home.”
GONE PHISHING
It has issued advice, too, to help protect against phishing emails and texts while on holiday.
Travelers might be tricked into revealing sensitive information or downloading malware onto their devices.
“Be wary of unsolicited messages claiming to be from airlines, hotels, or financial institutions, especially if they ask for personal information or prompt you to click on suspicious links,” said McAfee.
“Verify the legitimacy of unexpected communications by contacting the sender directly using official contact information from their official website or a trusted source.”