Public Wi-Fi is often seen as a quick convenience, especially at airports where travellers need to check emails, flight schedules, or simply scroll while waiting. But behind the “Free Wi-Fi” sign, there may be hidden cyber risks that can cost more than just your data.

Recently, news broke that Malaysian travellers fell victim to fake Wi-Fi networks at the airport. Hackers set up fraudulent “Free Airport Wi-Fi” access points, tricking passengers into connecting. Once connected, their devices were exposed, leading to stolen personal data, financial losses, and privacy breaches. This incident highlights how opportunistic attackers target busy, distracted travellers in high-traffic places like airports.

And this isn’t an isolated case. Across the world, airports and even airlines have been victims of cyberattacks, from fake networks to ransomware shutting down systems. These incidents prove that cybercriminals will exploit any gap — and unsuspecting users are often the easiest entry point.

So what can you do to stay safe while travelling?

• Always confirm the official Wi-Fi SSID with airport staff.

• Avoid connecting to networks that don’t require a password.

• Use a VPN for extra encryption whenever you’re on public Wi-Fi.

• Turn off auto-connect features on your devices.

• Stick to mobile data for sensitive activities like online banking.

• Ensure all your apps and devices are updated, and enable two-factor authentication.

At first glance, connecting to “free Wi-Fi” might feel harmless — but a single careless click can open the door to hackers. Remember: your data is far more valuable than you think.

Stay smart, stay connected — safely.