Public Wi-Fi security risks highlighted for travelers

Research from web hosting provider TransIP indicates that two-thirds of Dutch citizens use public Wi-Fi while on vacation, with over one-fifth using it for all online activities. Only one in eight users employs an active VPN to secure their connection.

Cybersecurity threats such as 'evil twin attacks' pose significant risks, where attackers set up fraudulent networks with names identical to legitimate hotel or cafe Wi-Fi. In these scenarios, devices may automatically connect to the malicious network. Additionally, man-in-the-middle attacks allow hackers to intercept data, including login credentials, passwords, and session cookies, without the user's knowledge.

Beyond rogue networks, security firm ReliaQuest reported in July 2026 that attackers gained administrative control over actual Wi-Fi gateway equipment at hotels and conference centers in several US cities. To mitigate these risks, experts suggest using a reliable VPN or opting for 4G/5G mobile data, which is generally more secure than public Wi-Fi networks.