Google urges users to avoid public Wi-Fi

In the "Behind the Screens" advisory released on Nov. 11 for both Android and iPhone users, the company warned that "these networks can be unencrypted and easily exploited by attackers," Android Headlines reported. It says that by using them, users could effectively present bank account details and other sensitive information to hackers. It advises using mobile data where possible.

In June, the U.S. Transportation Security Administration also advised plane passengers to avoid free Wi-Fi and public charging stations at airports.

Cybersecurity expert Oliver Buxton from security firm Norton told the New York Post that many public Wi-Fi hotspots transmit data in plain text, making them highly vulnerable if hackers possess the right tools. Through such attacks, criminals can steal users’ online activity data, including banking credentials, login details, and private messages.

A public place offers free Wifi. Photo from Unsplash

Buxton also cautioned against "malicious hotspots" that mimic familiar Wi-Fi names to deceive users. For instance, if someone stays at a hotel called Goodnight Inn, a hacker might create a fake network called "GoodNight Inn" (with a capital N) to trick them into connecting.

"By doing so, you risk connecting to an ‘evil twin’ network set up by cybercriminals to access your internet traffic," he said.

Google added in its report that 94% of users have received phishing messages, with 73% "very or extremely concerned about mobile scams." These messaging schemes have evolved into "a sophisticated, global enterprise designed to inflict devastating financial losses and emotional distress on unsuspecting victims," it said.

Forbes cybersecurity expert Zak Doffman said travelers can prevent "Wi-Fi hijacking" by taking a few precautionary steps.

He recommended disabling automatic connections to public or unknown networks, checking that any connection is encrypted, indicated by a padlock icon on the address bar, and confirming that the Wi-Fi belongs to the official source rather than a fake access point created by hackers.

To further secure their connection, he advised using a reputable, paid virtual private network developed by trusted companies. Free VPNs, he warned, can be more dangerous than not using one at all.