Why You Should Think Twice Before Connecting to Wi-Fi When Traveling

These days, traveling is almost impossible without a mobile Internet connection. Between Google Maps, TripAdvisor, Yelp, and other booking and review-based apps and websites, you need your phone to get the most from your trip.

And with international data packages so expensive, you might think a cheap or free Wi-Fi connection is your best bet. But maybe not. Mobile threat defense company Skycure says you should disconnect when traveling in certain high-risk destinations. Here’s why.

Skycure studied the world’s top tourist destinations (based on data from Travel + Leisure) from June 2014 to June 2015 to determine the places most frequently targeted by malicious networks. Times Square in New York City topped the list with the highest threats, followed by Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris and Disneyland Paris. The full list of tourist attractions with the highest risks is below.

• Times Square, New York City, NY
• Notre Dame Cathedral, Paris, France
• Disneyland Paris, Marne-la-Vallee, France
• Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CA
• Ocean Park, Hong Kong
• Las Vegas Strip, Las Vegas, NV
• Hollywood Walk of Fame, Hollywood, CA
• Union Station, Washington, D.C.
• Faneuil Hall Marketplace, Boston, MA
• Disneyland Park, Anaheim, CA
• Navy Pier, Chicago, IL
• St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican City
• Grand Palace, Bangkok, Thailand
• Disney World’s Magic Kingdom, Orlando, FL
• Pike Place Market, Seattle, WA

Where is your network the most secure? Places with remote connections and restricted mobile phone use. The Taj Mahal in India, Universal Studios in Japan, the Great Wall of China, Sydney Opera House, and Great Smokey Mountains National Park round up the top five safest spots to connect to a Wi-Fi network.

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Android v. iPhones

In a separate study, Skycure found that Android devices were twice as likely to encounter a threat compared to iPhones. According to the study, iOS devices will connect to more Wi-Fi networks overall, but Android devices connect to more malicious networks.

How to Stay Safe

Follow these quick tips if traveling to high-risk destinations:

• Avoid “Free Wi-Fi” networks (8 percent of the total reported threats came from a network with “Free” in its name).
• Read warnings on your device before agreeing to Terms and Services.
• Make sure your device is updated to the most current operating system.
• Disconnect from a network if your phone has erratic behavior, i.e. frequent crashes or if you receive any warning messages.
• Download a mobile security app.

Click here to download the full infographic. Click here to download Skycure in the app store.

More from SmarterTravel:

• The 8 Best (and Worst) Travel Apps
• What to Do in an Emergency Situation Aborad
• 10 Most Important Safety Tips for Travelers

Ashley Rossi is always ready for her next trip. Follow her on Twitter @ashley_stravel for more advice about travel hacks and destination ideas.