Here’s how to stay safe with a travel eSIM and avoid getting hacked on free Wi-Fi
Don’t ask for the password just yet!
Did you know that every time you connect your phone to W-iFi outside your home or work, you may be risking all your data? Grab an eSIM bundle and forget about connecting to Wi-Fi while traveling Europe ever again!
Still not convinced?
You may not carry state secrets or nuclear launch codes on your phone but you still have enough information in there for someone malicious enough to exploit and cause you serious harm.
When you connect to an unknown network and start browsing, you are opening yourself up to the possibility of your traffic being intercepted by an attacker. This traffic also includes your passwords and other sensitive information.
Therefore, it is recommended that you refrain from connecting to any Wi-Fi network that you do not know to minimize your risk of getting your information stolen. This should be particularly alarming considering that over 70% of hacking incidents reportedly take place when you connect to Wi-Fi networks at coffee shops, restaurants, malls, airport lounges, and so on.
What are the ways in which I could be hacked?
Although Europe is known for its Wi-Fi coverage across countries, free WiFi hotspots are often unencrypted, which means that your data is transmitted in plain text and can be easily intercepted.
Many free WiFi hotspots are also unsecured, meaning that they do not require a password to connect. This means that anyone can connect to the network and access your data.
Your personal data along with your passwords and financial information could easily be compromised when you connect to an unknown Wi-Fi. Here are some of the ways the data theft happens.
A "man-in-the-middle" attack
This is a type of attack where the attacker inserts himself into communication between two parties. The attacker can then intercept and alter the communication, or even impersonate one of the parties.
This type of attack can be devastating, as it can allow the attacker to gain access to sensitive information or even control devices.
There are a few ways to prevent man-in-the-middle attacks, but they can be difficult to implement and require a high level of security.
Network scanners
A network scanner is a piece of software that is used to identify the hosts and services that are running on a network. This information can be used to find vulnerabilities that can be exploited to gain access to your device.
Hotspot spoofing
Hotspot spoofing relies on preying on the psychology of those who may be drawn to the free Wi-Fi signs and involves tricking them into connecting to a malicious hotspot.
This can be done by setting up a fake hotspot that looks legitimate, or by modifying the settings of an existing hotspot to make it appear to be something it’s not.
Once a user connects to the spoofed hotspot, the attacker can intercept and read any data that is passed between the user and the internet. This includes sensitive information like passwords, financial data, and personal information.
Hotspot spoofing is a serious threat to online security, and it’s important to be aware of the risks it poses.
What can hackers do with my information?
If a hacker gets your personal information, they can do a lot of damage.
They can open new accounts in your name and rack up huge amounts of debt. They can also use your information to commit identity theft, which can ruin your credit score and make it difficult to get a loan or rent an apartment.
Hackers can also sell your information on the black market, or use it to blackmail you.
What’s even more disconcerting is that when you become a target of hackers, they tend to understand a great deal of information about you, some of which are
The entirety of the data on your device
All the places you’ve ever been to with your device
Your personality and psychological profile based on analyzing your social media and digital footprint
Sensitive documents you upload
Passwords and personal identification numbers
In short, a hacker with your information can wreak havoc on your life, so it's important to be vigilant about protecting your data.
How do I protect myself and still stay online 24/7?
The easiest and simplest answer is to not really connect to any Wi-Fi network you don’t absolutely trust.
You can also use an eSIM bundle or a travel SIM which will give you near-instant connectivity along with the total assurance that your data is not at risk. Furthermore, you also get to enjoy not having to awkwardly ask for a password!
Here are the two best eSIM plans for your Europe holiday
ORANGE ESIM EUROPE - 20 GB DATA & 120 VOICE MINUTES WORLDWIDE
20GB of 4G/LTE data in Europe
120 min. + 1000 SMS from Europe to Worldwide
Unlimited calls and texts in Europe
Valid for 14 days after the first use
8GB of 4G/LTE data in Europe
30 min. + 200 SMS from Europe to Worldwide
Unlimited calls and texts in Europe
Valid for 14 days after the first use
What’s so great about the Orange eSIM plan?
If you get an Orange eSIM bundle, you can be assured that all of your data demands will be met, and you will have practically immediate access to the internet along with the knowledge that your data is safe. Orange, the greatest mobile network in Europe, guarantees constant connectivity with no documentation required.
Based on how much mobile data you use each month, we offer the ideal eSIM plan for you among our many options.
Your eSIM package includes not only the ability to make and receive calls but also substantial discounts on your data plan, which you can use anywhere in Europe. To top it all off, you'll get a certain amount of international calling minutes to spend in any way you see fit.
With our travel eSIM options from the world's leading mobile network providers along with zero paperwork and zero roaming charges, you can stay connected to superfast Internet no matter where your journey takes you.
How to activate your eSIM plan?
After buying, your brand-new eSIM will be sent to your email. Once the QR code has been scanned, the activation of the product will begin immediately. We strongly advise you to be physically present in Europe before activating your eSIM as it activates immediately.
What are the countries covered by my eSIM bundle?
Andorra, Azores, Aland islands, Austria, Balearic Islands, Belgium, Canary Islands, Cyprus, Corfu, Crete, The Cyclades, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Faeroe Islands, Finland, France mainland, Germany, Gibraltar, Greece, Guernsey, Hungary, Ireland, Iceland, Italy, Jersey, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Madeira, Malta, Isle of Man, Norway, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Rhodes, Romania, Spain, United Kingdom, San Marino, Sardinia, Sicily, Slovakia, Switzerland, Sweden, Vatican City.
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References:
https://www.technadu.com/dangers-of-unknown-wi-fi-networks-during-the-coronavirus-lockdown/96448/
https://www.purevpn.com/blog/wifi-security-at-coffee-shops-scty/