With travel, passengers face not only longer delays but also increased cybersecurity risks. Public airport Wi-Fi networks, often unsecured and crowded, have become a prime target for hackers looking to steal personal information or login credentials. Experts warn that travelers need to take extra precautions this season to protect their data.
Air traffic delays are on the rise. According to IATA, European Air Traffic Control delays have surged 114% over the past decade, leaving travelers stuck in terminals for extended periods. While passenger numbers continue to climb, with Deloitte reporting US consumers more eager to travel than in recent years and 82% of Europeans increasing travel budgets, cybersecurity incidents are also rising. The UK Cybersecurity Agency notes a 50% increase in major incidents this year, while Fortinet reported a 42% surge in compromised credentials available for sale.
Public Wi-Fi in busy airports is often unencrypted, making it easy for attackers to spy on activity or intercept sensitive data. A recent Australian case illustrates this: a man created a fake in-flight Wi-Fi network, capturing passengers’ login details, leading to jail time. Cybersecurity specialists emphasize that many such attacks go undetected, particularly when AI tools accelerate malicious activity.
Konstantin Levinzon, co-founder of Planet VPN, advises travelers to take three key precautions:
1. Use a VPN that doesn’t store logs
A VPN encrypts internet traffic, creating a secure tunnel that prevents others on the network from seeing your activity. Free VPNs can offer strong encryption as long as they don’t log personal data or emails.
2. Lock down your device
Turn off automatic network connections, disable file and printer sharing, and install software updates before travel. These simple steps reduce the risk of joining fraudulent hotspots or exposing your device to hackers.
3. Treat public Wi-Fi as “read-only”
Limit activity to low-risk tasks like web browsing or non-sensitive emails. Avoid financial transactions or entering personal credentials, even with a VPN active.
Levinzon stresses that vigilance and basic cyber hygiene — including strong passwords, two-factor authentication, and updated software — are crucial not only during holiday travel but also in everyday use.