FBI warns travelers against using untrusted and free WiFi networks

The FBI warned one again the holiday travelers about the danger of using free WiFi networks while traveling.

Free WiFi networks, such as the ones in the airports and hotel, hide many dangers to the holiday travelers, for this reason, has once again published a new warning.

Threat actors could leverage free WiFi networks to infect victims with malware, to steal their sensitive data or to take over their devices.

“Don’t allow your phone, computer, tablet, or other devices to auto-connect to a free wireless network while you are away from home,” reads the advisory published by the FBI.

“This is an open invitation for bad actors to access your device. They then can load malware, steal your passwords and PINs, or even take remote control of your contacts and camera.”

Authorities recommend travelers to avoid using free or untrusted WiFi networks to access sensitive information, such as financial or medical data.

“If you absolutely have to use an unsecured hotspot, avoid doing anything sensitive like accessing your bank account. A hacker would love your user ID and password – don’t give it to them.” continues the FBI.

The authorities recommend the use of phone’s mobile data connection rather than connecting devices untrusted or Free WiFi networks.

The FBI’s warning also provides suggestions to protect travelers’ privacy, such as to disable location services and avoid publishing any picture or post about the travel.

“Disable location services – including those on your social media accounts and in your camera settings – that tell people where you are.” continues the FBI.

“Finally, as hard as this may be in a world of oversharing, consider NOT pushing out pictures and posts about your grand adventures. Yes, your kids are adorable and Christmas morning was the best ever – but do you really want to tell the world that you are away from home?”

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Pierluigi Paganini

(SecurityAffairs – Iran, hacking)

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Pierluigi Paganini

Pierluigi Paganini is member of the ENISA (European Union Agency for Network and Information Security) Threat Landscape Stakeholder Group and Cyber G7 Group, he is also a Security Evangelist, Security Analyst and Freelance Writer. Editor-in-Chief at "Cyber Defense Magazine", Pierluigi is a cyber security expert with over 20 years experience in the field, he is Certified Ethical Hacker at EC Council in London. The passion for writing and a strong belief that security is founded on sharing and awareness led Pierluigi to find the security blog "Security Affairs" recently named a Top National Security Resource for US. Pierluigi is a member of the "The Hacker News" team and he is a writer for some major publications in the field such as Cyber War Zone, ICTTF, Infosec Island, Infosec Institute, The Hacker News Magazine and for many other Security magazines. Author of the Books "The Deep Dark Web" and “Digital Virtual Currency and Bitcoin”.