Latest News
HomeColumnsFeatured ArticlesWhy VPN’s are a necessity while traveling abroad
Featured articles

Why VPN’s are a necessity while traveling abroad

A lot of travelers and tourists aren’t aware that a hacker can view all their personal information. When they log onto an unsecure WIFI at an airport, coffee bar or hotel, it’s easy for hackers to view their online activities.

Every trip abroad requires a well-thought-out plan. What if the connecting flight is late? What if severe weather delays the flight? Then there’s the question of how to access the internet when overseas. About 96 percent of U.S. travelers surveyed say they use unprotected WIFI and 75 percent connect to networks without passwords. But, alarmingly, only 23 percent of those surveyed use VPNs to safeguard their personal information. 

Using WiFi while traveling can be risky
A lot of travelers and tourists aren’t aware that a hacker can view all their personal information. When they log onto an unsecure WIFI at an airport, coffee bar or hotel, it's easy for hackers to view their online activities. But, a specific attack called the “man in the middle” attack is very concerning. Hackers set up a connection between a traveler’s computer and the business they’re trying to reach. The hacker can then gather personal data like bank account information and credit card numbers. 

As hackers grow more sophisticated in how they steal information, travelers are more vulnerable. An unsuspecting traveler assumes their identity is safe because they're using the hotel or airport's WIFI. What they don't realize is that hackers could be in the vicinity and they're online tracking the traffic that comes into that public hotspot. Hackers look for easy targets like tourists who are on an unencrypted server and don't realize the dangers. Hackers can easily carry out a DNS attack or send a traveler to a page that looks legitimate. Data breaches like these are making more travelers turn to VPNs to protect them online. 

Fortunately, VPNs can protect your online data
VPNs are virtual private networks that let people create secure connections with other networks. They use 256-bit AES encryption or they can use military grade encryption. When a person goes online, instead of their IP address showing up, they’re anonymous and the connection is encrypted. If anyone is trying to hack into the server, all they see is indecipherable gibberish. 

A VPN should always be used if a traveler is on a public server at the airport or a hotel. Anywhere they are accessing public wifi, all they need to do is click on the VPN app and then get online. That way, their identity is hidden and they can't be tracked. Their identity and location are never revealed. VPNs are commonly used by businesses for their employees and executives use VPNs with travel. 

Increased internet access
VPNs can also provide access to geo-restricted content all over the world. This makes it easier for travelers around the world to get online, shop or bank and watch content or stream shows in other countries. That means they can travel globally and still access content in their home countries. They can also view content that’s not censored by a foreign government. Travelers can find VPNs online or through their internet security provider. It's recommended that they avoid sites that offer free VPN access. Some of the sites that boast free services will secretly log the sites that users visit and sell the data to third-parties. Free VPN trials offered by larger, more reputable VPN companies won't do this.

Finding the best VPN
When shopping for a VPN service, it should offer heightened encryption, have servers in several countries and work on mobile. That way the traveler can add it to their smartphone, tablet or other mobile device and they don't have to worry about lags in online speed. Prices range from about $3 per month to $11 per month. One to three year plans can lower the monthly costs so it's best to shop around. Additionally, not all VPNs are created equally. Some specialize in high-speeds while others are designed for speed, security and/or streaming content online. And, for travelers delayed at the airport, that streaming content might be useful.

Sales & Marketing - Travel Media Applications | Website | + Posts
28/03/2024
27/03/2024
26/03/2024
25/03/2024
22/03/2024
21/03/2024