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Why Airport Wi-Fi Is Risky for Travelers

As soon as you arrive at the airport you may need internet access, for example to order a taxi, check exchange rates, use GPS navigation, or send a message to your family or friends. Airport Wi-Fi may require payment, which can be costly, but the main issue is its low level of security. Connecting to such a public network can expose your personal data, including passwords for banking apps, crypto wallets, messengers, and more. Why is it risky and what is the alternative? We explain below.

Reasons Why Airport Wi-Fi Is Unsafe

Airport Wi-Fi is public, accessed by many people at the same time, and provides minimal protection. Its main weaknesses include:

  • Weak or no encryption. Many airport networks do not use WPA2 or WPA3 protocols, meaning any data you enter, from passwords to personal messages, can be easily intercepted by cybercriminals.
  • High risk when no authentication is required. Anyone can join the network and attempt to access data from other connected devices.
  • High likelihood of Man-in-the-Middle (MITM) attacks. In this type of threat, a hacker sets up a network with a similar name. If you connect to it by mistake, they can intercept all your traffic.

Important: The automatic connection feature increases the risk, as your device may link to a fraudulent network with the same SSID.

Why eSIM is Safer Than Public Wi-Fi

Going online via eSIM is also a much safer option than using public Wi-Fi, as you're connected directly to the mobile carrier’s network, which follows strict security standards. Here’s why:

  • Data encryption. All your traffic – including account passwords, location data, and other sensitive information – is encrypted by the mobile operator. In contrast, public Wi-Fi often lacks proper protection or uses weaker encryption, making it easier for hackers to steal logins, passwords, or even credit card details.
  • User authentication. eSIM providers use additional authentication to verify that it’s really you, helping prevent unauthorized access or identity spoofing.
  • Protection against IMSI catchers (especially on 5G). Your IMSI (International Mobile Subscriber Identity) is transmitted only in encrypted form, making it much harder for attackers to fake a cell tower and intercept personal data.

Conclusion 

The conclusion is simple: Travel eSIM offers better security, greater convenience, and more cost-effective rates – especially when you're traveling. Using public Wi-Fi, on the other hand, carries a high risk of personal data theft, with banking app passwords being particularly vulnerable. Tracking down the attacker is often nearly impossible.