Wi-Fi, online access and digital security

Select a Wi-Fi network deliberately and compare its name with the information displayed at the venue. If several similarly named networks appear, do not connect by guesswork. Turn off file sharing before using public Wi-Fi and make sure a website uses a secure connection. Do not enter sensitive account details on a network whose identity you cannot establish.

Public networks can be insecure or poorly configured. For banking and other financial activity, use mobile data or your own hotspot where possible. If you need a public network, limit use to tasks that do not require sensitive information. A password printed on a café table does not replace confirming that you have joined the correct network.

Turn on multi-factor authentication for important accounts before you leave. Use strong, unique passwords or passkeys for different accounts and set up recovery options you can access if your phone is lost or unavailable. Lock your device when you are not using it; do not save login details on shared or public computers, and sign out after each session there. For travel, the second-factor method matters too: an authenticator app generates codes without SMS reception, while passkeys are another option where a service supports them. If you change phone numbers, update account sign-in options that rely on SMS while you still have access to the old number. Keep recovery codes separate from the phone.

Install system and app updates before relying on public connections. Open sign-in pages through the service’s app or saved address rather than an unexpected message link. Be cautious of pop-ups requesting passwords or payment details. If a prompt looks suspicious, close the page and use a trusted connection before signing in again.

Divide your online tasks: download maps and booking confirmations ahead of time, use mobile data for sensitive actions, and reserve public Wi-Fi for lower-risk activity. This reduces reliance on a single access point and still works if a hotspot is unavailable or unsuitable. Keep your devices charged too, so you can switch between Wi-Fi, your own mobile connection and offline content.

The overview of staying connected brings together network choice, navigation and online access. SIMs, eSIMs and mobile service covers connection choices, while offline maps and navigation covers saved content. Further context is in travel planning and stays, the overview of everyday life and the economy, and health and safety.