Most of us depend on hotel internet to keep in touch while we’re away, using it for everything from reading emails and finding places to eat to sharing photos on social media. Typically, the connection is quick, easy to access, and doesn’t cost a thing. But can you actually trust it? The simple answer is: rarely. A lot of places run open networks without real protection, which exposes your information to all kinds of digital dangers.
If you have doubts about connecting, we should look at the risks involved and explain how tools like a VPN (Virtual Private Network) can keep your personal details locked down no matter where you book a room.
Beware of bedbugs… and the hotel’s Wi-Fi
Apart from inspecting the mattress carefully before unpacking, you should analyse how secure the Wi-Fi is in the hotel you are staying at. To be blunt, hotel internet just isn’t secure. Almost 31% of businesses in the hospitality industry have dealt with a data breach, and open hotel networks are responsible for a huge 20% of all personal info stolen on public Wi-Fi.
Because so many hotels don’t bother setting up proper security, your information sits open to risks like viruses, “evil twin” scams, and Man-in-the-Middle interceptions. It isn’t just outside criminals you need to worry about, either—the IT team or hotel employees running the system might be watching everything you do online.
What risks come with using hotel internet?
It’s easy to get lured in by the promise of free, high-speed hotel connections, but these networks frequently hide serious security traps. Let’s look at a few of the hazards involved in logging on at a hotel:
A Man-in-the-Middle attack occurs when a hacker inserts themselves into the conversation between two devices, usually without either side noticing. You see this happen a lot on open public networks, especially in hotels where protection standards tend to be low.
After stealing your information, criminals might sell it to ad agencies, use it to build believable phishing traps, or even abuse it to break into your bank accounts.
Don’t rush to click connect as soon as you check in—stop for a second, because that network might be an “evil twin.” These are bogus hotspots created by hackers to mimic real networks and fool you into joining them. As soon as you join, the attackers can watch everything you do and steal your data.
These fake connections usually sport boring names like “Guest Wi-Fi,” “Hotel Guest Network,” or “Free Hotel Wi-Fi.” Usually, you don’t even need a password to join, which makes it incredibly easy for guests to get tricked without realizing it.
Hackers frequently take advantage of weak or open public networks—like the unprotected Wi-Fi at hotels—to spread malware. Malware is just a shorter way of saying malicious software, and it covers dangerous things like viruses, ransomware, and spyware. You might not even notice these threats are there until they’ve already wrecked your device.
How to stay safe while using your hotel Wi-Fi
Let’s be realistic: even though avoiding hotel internet is the smart move, sometimes you have to do what you have to do. While it’s possible to buy some data plan when we arrive to another country, a busy travelling schedule makes keeping track of the roaming zones impossible. If you find yourself needing to connect, here are a few ways to protect yourself:
Using a VPN provider is one of the best ways to protect yourself on these networks. A VPN scrambles your information before it even leaves your computer or phone, which keeps it hidden from anyone snooping on the hotel connection.
Firewalls serve as a shield between your gadget and the dangers lurking on open hotel networks. They help block unwanted access and lower the chances of picking up a virus. Since most newer devices have a firewall built right in, just make sure it’s actually turned on before you hop on the hotel’s signal.
Most sites offer Two-Factor Authentication (2FA), which puts an extra lock on your accounts by demanding a second proof of identity—not just your password—before letting you sign in. You usually see this as a text message code, a pop-up alert on your phone, or a biometric check like a fingerprint or face scan.
So next time you spend the night at a hotel, make sure not to connect to their Wi-Fi willy nilly. If you only want to watch Netflix, we sincerely advise you to download your favourite series beforehand so you can binge-watch without jeopardising your private data!