{"id":38359,"date":"2025-12-17T06:36:39","date_gmt":"2025-12-17T06:36:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/insider18.com\/?p=38359"},"modified":"2025-12-17T07:00:06","modified_gmt":"2025-12-17T07:00:06","slug":"public-wifi-scams-and-juice-jacking-uae-experts-caution-travellers-about-cyber-risks","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/insider18.com\/index.php\/2025\/12\/17\/public-wifi-scams-and-juice-jacking-uae-experts-caution-travellers-about-cyber-risks\/","title":{"rendered":"Public WiFi scams and juice jacking: UAE experts caution travellers about cyber risks"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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Many travelers routinely connect to complimentary airport Wi-Fi or use public charging stations without considering the risks. However, these seemingly harmless actions can be exploited by cybercriminals. Experts advise staying vigilant when traveling abroad to avoid falling victim to scams.<\/p>

Rafal Hyps, CEO of travel risk management company Sicuro Group, explains that cybercriminals take advantage of travelers\u2019 distractions. \u201cThe combination of urgency and reduced attention makes travel an ideal setting for common cyber scams, particularly for those used to the security of the UAE,\u201d he said.<\/p>

Common digital threats include fake Wi-Fi networks, phishing emails, fraudulent payment links, and \u201cjuice jacking,\u201d which can compromise devices. Even logging into personal accounts for vacation rentals or car bookings can pose risks.<\/p>

Haider Pasha, CSO EMEA at Palo Alto Networks, emphasized that travelers\u2019 biggest error is assuming travel environments are safe. \u201cPracticing basic cyber hygiene\u2014checking network authenticity, limiting app permissions, and keeping devices updated\u2014is essential,\u201d he noted. \u201cScammers frequently exploit distracted travelers with phishing attempts, fake booking notices, and refund scams that create urgency and prompt hasty clicks.\u201d<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/article><\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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Common Cyber risks at airports<\/h5>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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Experts warn that fake or imitation Wi-Fi networks are widespread in crowded travel locations because they are simple to create and difficult to distinguish from legitimate networks. Rafal Hyps explained, \u201cAttackers often give networks names that mimic real ones, counting on travelers to connect out of habit. If a login page asks for unusual credentials, requests unexpected payment, or prompts app or profile downloads, disconnect immediately and switch to mobile data.\u201d<\/p>

He added that public Wi-Fi remains risky due to redirection and deceptive tactics. For sensitive activities like online banking, email, or accessing password managers, travelers should rely on cellular data or their personal hotspot. \u201cAlways confirm you are using the authentic app or official website before entering any login information,\u201d he advised.<\/p>

Haider Pasha also highlighted the dangers of public USB charging points. \u201cThese stations can be used for \u2018juice jacking,\u2019 where attackers install malware or steal data,\u201d he said. \u201cIt\u2019s safer to use your own charger or power-only USB cables when on the go.\u201d<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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Stolen Phones<\/h5>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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Haider Pasha highlighted that one of the greatest dangers while traveling internationally is phone theft. \u201cThieves can exploit weak passcodes, unlocked devices, SIM cards, and lock-screen notifications to access banking apps, emails, and cloud accounts. It\u2019s essential to remotely lock or wipe your device, change passwords, and alert your bank and mobile provider immediately,\u201d he said.<\/p>

Rafal Hyps emphasized the need for swift action. \u201cStart by using Find My iPhone or Android Find My Device to mark the phone as lost, lock it, and erase data if recovery seems unlikely,\u201d he advised. \u201cNext, update your email password, followed by your Apple ID or Google account password, and then your banking and other important accounts.\u201d<\/p>

He also recommended suspending the SIM card, freezing bank cards, blocking transfers, and informing your employer\u2019s IT team to follow their guidance. \u201cIf you use an authenticator app, assume it has been compromised until all accounts are secured again,\u201d he added.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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Erasing Data<\/h5>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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Haider Pasha cautioned travelers about leaving personal information on shared devices such as rental car systems, hotel smart TVs, or other public platforms. \u201cMake sure to erase all data\u2014including contacts, call logs, streaming accounts, and navigation history\u2014before checking out,\u201d he advised.<\/p>

Rafal Hyps added that traveling requires extra vigilance compared to being at home. \u201cPrepare your phone before your trip and avoid conducting sensitive tasks on public networks,\u201d he said. \u201cSet a strong passcode, enable biometric locks, shorten auto-lock times, and limit message previews on the lock screen. For banking and email, rely on cellular data or a personal hotspot, and always verify actions within official apps rather than clicking links in messages. Never reuse usernames or passwords across accounts\u2014these simple precautions prevent major problems.\u201d<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

UAE cybersecurity experts warn travellers about digital dangers such as fake public WiFi networks and juice jacking, urging caution to protect personal data and devices while travelling.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":38368,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"pmpro_default_level":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[9],"tags":[34],"post_template":[],"top_category":[],"class_list":["post-38359","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uae","tag-dubai-buzz","pmpro-has-access"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/insider18.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/38359","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/insider18.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/insider18.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/insider18.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/insider18.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=38359"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/insider18.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/38359\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":38377,"href":"https:\/\/insider18.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/38359\/revisions\/38377"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/insider18.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/38368"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/insider18.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=38359"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/insider18.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=38359"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/insider18.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=38359"},{"taxonomy":"post_template","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/insider18.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/post_template?post=38359"},{"taxonomy":"top_category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/insider18.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/top_category?post=38359"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}