Cybersecurity on the Go: Public Wi-Fi at the Airport

A journey doesn’t start with boarding a plane, but with planning and pleasant anticipation in the terminal. Often, during these moments, you want to do everything: check emails, book a transfer, or spontaneously extend your vacation. If you decide to buy tickets on Kupi.com or choose tickets for your next flight while using free internet, it’s important to remember digital hygiene.

Public Wi-Fi networks are a comfort zone for you and a hunting ground for cybercriminals. We tell you how to protect your data so that the only surprise on your trip is a pleasant upgrade to business class.

What’s the Catch?

The main problem with open networks is that data between your device and the access point is often transmitted without encryption. Attackers can use the “Man-in-the-Middle” method, intercepting your traffic. They can get their hands on email passwords, social media logins, and, most critically, full details of bank cards when making purchases.

Sometimes fraudsters create duplicate access points with names like Airport_Free_HighSpeed. As soon as you click “Connect”, your device becomes an open book for the owner of this network.

Terminal Security Checklist

Masking via VPN

This is fundamental. A Virtual Private Network creates an encrypted tunnel. Even if a hacker “listens in” on the airwaves, they will only see a chaotic set of characters. Turn on your VPN before you type the first character in the search bar.

Tip: it’s better to use trusted paid services. Free VPNs often trade user data themselves, which negates the protection.

Forget About Automation

Smartphones by default strive for comfort and connect to familiar or open networks automatically. Go to Wi-Fi settings and disable the “Connect automatically” function. This way, you’ll be sure that your phone hasn’t “drifted” into a dangerous network while it’s just in your pocket.

The “Two Keys” Rule

Always use two-factor authentication (2FA) for banking apps and email. Even if a fraudster learns your password, they won’t be able to log into your account without a verification code from an SMS or push notification. This is the most reliable barrier today.

Check the “Padlock” in Your Browser

Before entering card details, look at the address bar. The site should operate via the HTTPS protocol (you will see a closed padlock icon). If the site uses the old HTTP protocol, transmitting confidential information through it is like shouting your card number in a crowd.

Stealth Mode for Your Device

In your laptop settings (especially on Windows), when connecting to a new network, always select the “Public network” profile. This disables the discovery of your device by other users on the same network and blocks access to your shared folders and files.

Use Virtual Cards

Digital cards are ideal for purchases on the go. Create a virtual card in your bank’s app, set a limit on it equal to the purchase cost, and pay with it. Even if this card’s data is compromised, your main account will remain secure.

Hygiene After Use

When you’re done, don’t just turn off Wi-Fi; select the “Forget this network” option in the settings. This ensures that your device won’t try to connect to it again without your knowledge at the other end of the airport.

What to Do If There’s No Protection, But You Need to Pay?

If you feel that the network is behaving strangely, or you don’t have a reliable VPN, it’s better to switch to mobile internet. Even in international roaming, the cost of a few megabytes to pay for a ticket or hotel will be incomparable to the risk of losing all funds from your card.

May your flights be smooth, and your data completely secure. Wherever you go, vigilance is your best travel companion.