8 Dos and Donts of Using Public Wi-Fi While Traveling Abroad

When you travel, sometimes you can’t avoid using unsafe networks. Even paid, password-protected networks run by established businesses can be dangerous. Here are some dos and don’ts for safely using public Wi-Fi in another country.

Table of Contents

• 1. DO: Check the security type of public WiFi
• 2. DON'T: Connect to suspicious networks
• 3. DO: Turn on firewall
• 4. DON'T: Use slow WiFi
• 5. DO: Use strong passwords and vary them
• 6. DON'T: Use unencrypted websites
• 7. DO: Use a virtual private network (VPN)
• 8. DON'T: Leave the device connected when not in use

1. DO: Check the security type of public WiFi

Most public WiFi locations these days should use encryption by default, ensuring your device is generally safe for normal web browsing. However, checking the security protocol of the public WiFi on any device you connect to is a more reliable indicator of security.

• Android : First, connect to the Wi-Fi network you want to check. Then, go to Settings -> Connections -> Current network and tap the Settings icon . Look for the current security protocol under Security .
• iOS : On your iPhone, open Settings from your home screen. Scroll down to the Wi-Fi option and select your connected network. Tap the "i" icon and go to the DHCP tab .
• Mac : On your Mac, press and hold the Option key and click the Wi-Fi icon. From the list of available Wi-Fi networks, select your connected network and look for its Security type .
• Windows : On your Windows device, go to Settings -> Network & internet -> Wi-Fi . Dig into the Properties of your Wi-Fi connection and scroll all the way down to check the Wi-Fi Protocol and Security type .

If the WiFi security type listed is “WEP” or “WPA,” then it’s definitely not secure. Anything that includes “WPA-2” or the latest “WPA-3” boasts strong encryption and is secure for most practical purposes. However, with WPA-2, there are some caveats.

For example, the above network is connected on a Windows laptop using WPA-2 Personal, which is strong but not completely secure. This network is vulnerable to known KRACK (Key Reinstallation Attack) and brute force attacks , especially if it uses the weaker TKIP protocol instead of AES. The above WiFi network can be used for normal web browsing, but not for financial transactions.

2. DON'T: Connect to suspicious networks

Hackers often set up networks that look like legitimate networks provided by companies. These fake networks may act like normal networks, but they can steal your information. To be safe, ask hotel staff to write down the full network name (SSID) of your business before connecting to a public hotspot and make sure it matches exactly.

You may be tempted to connect to hidden WiFi networks that don't require a password sometimes, especially when you need quick access – resist that urge!

3. DO: Turn on firewall

On desktop devices, firewalls act as a barrier to potentially malicious elements and prevent others from accessing your computer without permission. Even with a weak WiFi network, having a firewall enabled will alert you to outside intruders.

Turn on the firewall before connecting to any public network. If you don't like the Windows Defender firewall , there are a number of other options that give you additional features.

4. DON'T: Use slow WiFi

Slow internet speeds are still a reality today! You can always use Speedtest and other sites to measure your WiFi speed at your location. Anything below 8~10 Mbps is suspect.

Slow speeds aren’t a problem in and of themselves. But slow WiFi networks almost always mean outdated hardware or weak encryption. Additionally, prolonged security updates open the door for hackers to use packet sniffing and spoofing tools (you may have seen many SSIDs with suffixes like “2” or “3”). If you find yourself in a poor WiFi location, it’s best to use cellular data.

5. DO: Use strong passwords and vary them

Using the same password for most of your online accounts can be convenient, but it also makes you more vulnerable. People spying on public networks can learn your password and access some of your accounts, so mix up your passwords before you travel to another country. Passwords are most secure when they are long and contain a lot of characters.

For those of us struggling to create strong passwords , online password generators can be a lifesaver. Sites like Bitwarden and KeePass offer high-strength encryption and securely store all of your passwords.

6. DON'T: Use unencrypted websites

When it comes to using public WiFi safely, this is a glaring omission, as many users continue to browse unsafe websites without concern. This may be fine when you’re at home, but the same habits can be harmful in a shady foreign hotspot.

To be clear, sites with “HTTPS” at the beginning of their URLs encrypt your information and are therefore less attractive to hackers. If there’s no “S” at the end, the site isn’t secure – so avoid using it as much as possible. Only use encrypted HTTPS sites.

One thing to note is that not all websites have HTTPS encryption, so you may want to use an extension like HTTPS Everywhere to ensure you are redirected to HTTPS sites whenever possible. If you see a “Not secure” page warning, exit your browser immediately.

7. DO: Use a virtual private network (VPN)

VPNs give you the security benefits of a private network while you're connected to a public network. They hide your IP address and DNS data with encryption, making it harder for scammers to access your information. Check out the best VPN products for your needs.

One of the reasons why you can't help but use an anonymous VPN is because a good VPN that doesn't leak DNS is a surefire way to protect sensitive user input like passwords, PINs, credit card information, and personal information. Just be sure to avoid "free VPNs," they create more problems than not having a VPN in the first place.

8. DON'T: Leave the device connected when not in use

Just because you’re not using your device doesn’t mean it’s safe from hackers. Disconnect devices from public WiFi networks when they’re not in use to prevent others from accessing your connection and data. You should also disconnect all of your devices even if you’re temporarily away from the network. For example, if you’re at the airport and take a break from surfing the web to get a coffee, disconnect your phone from the WiFi.

These are the best ways to stay safe when using public WiFi. Another tip for dealing with unsafe WiFi is to keep your device software up to date. Many websites now also give you the option to enable two-factor authentication, which you should use.