Free Wi-Fi at the airport seems like a godsend. But beware, behind this apparent generosity could be a well-oiled scam.
You’re at the airport, your flight is delayed, and you come across a free Wi-Fi network. What more could you ask for? Unfortunately, what seems like a godsend could actually be a sophisticated trap. These networks, dubbed “evil twins,” are actually near-perfect copies of legitimate networks, created by hackers with the aim of stealing your personal data.
The modus operandi is simple, but formidable. The malicious network asks you to connect via a Gmail account or a social network to access the internet. Once you have entered your credentials, that’s it: the hacker now has access to your personal information.
A growing phenomenon
The recent arrest of a 42-year-old man in Australia for setting up such networks in several airports in the country shows the scale of the phenomenon. Equipped with a simple router, a laptop and a smartphone, this hacker managed to fool many travelers, collecting dozens of passwords in the process.
What is particularly worrying is the ease with which these networks can be set up. Anyone with a minimum of technical knowledge could potentially create an “evil twin” and deploy it in a busy public place.
How to protect yourself?
In the face of these threats, caution is advised. The golden rule is simple: avoid using public Wi-Fi networks for sensitive activities whenever possible. If you absolutely must connect, be wary of networks that ask you to log in with a personal account. A legitimate public Wi-Fi network should never ask you for your email or social media credentials.
But if there is one solution to remember, it is the use of a VPN. This tool is your best protection when browsing on public networks. By encrypting your data, the VPN creates a secure tunnel between your device and the internet, making your information unreadable for potential hackers.
Even if you connect to a malicious network, the VPN will act as a shield, protecting your sensitive data. It’s an investment that’s well worth the cost when you consider the risks involved on public networks.
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