Cybersecurity risks rise for travelers using public Wi-Fi

As travelers increasingly rely on digital tools for banking, work, and bookings, the risks associated with public internet connections have grown. Experts warn that free Wi-Fi in locations such as cafes and hotels is not inherently secure and can expose users to various cyber threats.

To mitigate these risks, it is recommended to verify the exact SSID of a network before connecting and to use a personal mobile network or a reliable VPN for sensitive activities like home banking or accessing corporate systems. Data from CERT-AGID highlights the prevalence of these threats, noting that in late June 2026, 130 malicious campaigns were detected, 97 of which targeted Italian users, including numerous scams involving false fines sent via email or SMS.