When my husband and I were on the very long flight last year, he leaned over and asked, "I want to check our Morgan Stanley account. Do you think it’s OK to do it using the plane’s Wi-Fi?"

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How did we live without Wi-Fi on a plane? Oh, yeah, we read magazines! Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but Wi-Fi isn’t as protected as we hope. Fear not. I’ve got some tips on protecting yourself and surfing safely in the skies.

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Hackers use all kinds of sneaky tactics to hijack your privacy in flight. One thing in their favor: VPNs are more likely to drop in and out in the air than on the ground. (More on that below.)

Without that layer of protection, cybercriminals using the same airline Wi-Fi can easily tap into your devices, access your information and spread malware.

"S" for security: Only visit encrypted websites — the ones that start with "HTTPS" (that "S" is important!). In general, this blocks a hacker from viewing your activity on a given site, like the password or credit card number you typed in.

Beware of AirDrop: Keyloggers keep track of every single thing you type, and criminals love to pass them along using Apple’s AirDrop feature. Don’t accept drops from strangers in flight. Steps here to disable or limit AirDrop if you need help.

Name game: Crooks can create fake Wi-Fi networks with almost identical names to the airline’s. If you’re not careful, you could plug into a copycat network instead of the legit one.

THE NSA SAYS DO THESE 5 THINGS WITH YOUR PHONE RIGHT NOW

Is your home connection locked down? Do this check twice a year.

I know you’re not going to skip the Wi-Fi altogether. That’s OK, just be smart about it.

Update everything: Before you hit the road, make sure your phone, computer, tablet, smartwatch and any other connected devices are running the latest software. Steps here for Windows, Mac, iPhone and Android. Updates often include critical security patches that protect against the new threats. Don’t forget to update your apps, too.

Add a layer of security: A Virtual Private Network (VPN) encrypts your internet connection. Before accessing anything sensitive, like your email, online banking or shopping accounts, turn on your VPN. Double-check its status to ensure it’s actively protecting your connection. It should display as "connected" or "secured."

Verify names. If you notice multiple Wi-Fi networks with similar names, check with the airline staff and confirm which is the right one.

Use 2FA: For any account tied to financial information or personal details, two-factor authentication is a must. This adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second verification step, like a code sent to your phone or email, after entering your password. Set this up for all accounts with ties to your finances to reduce the risk of unauthorized access.

Secure your devices. Invest in antivirus and malware-protection software, and keep your devices physically secure. Avoid leaving your phone, tablet or laptop unattended, even for a moment. 

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Stop looky loos. Get a privacy screen for your laptop to prevent nearby shoulder snooping.

Bonus: Don’t post pics of your boarding pass or other travel docs

You’re excited, waiting for the plane. What’s the harm in posting a pic of your boarding pass? A whole lot. Boarding passes display your full legal name, ticket number and passenger name record. That six-digit code plus your last name gives anyone access to your booking information online.

The same goes for your license, passport, visa or other identification documents. Thieves keep an eye out for any detail they can use.

Keep these photos on your phone before vacation. Scroll to No. 3. You’ll thank me if something goes missing.

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Can’t remember the last time you turned your phone off? Is Bluetooth always on? Do you plug into any charger you can find?

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If you answered yes to any of these questions, the NSA says you’re playing a crapshoot with your privacy. The National Security Agency’s purpose is to listen and collect communications from satellites, cellphones and anywhere else, really. 

THESE MISTAKES COULD TANK YOUR CREDIT SCORE

Let’s take a deeper look at five smartphone rules they use that you can, too.

1. Restart your phone once a week

It’s dead simple and absolutely worth doing. Turn off your phone, wait 10 seconds, then turn it back on. This works to combat zero-click exploits where a hacker can get in simply by sending you the right code.

Heads up: A restart won’t work for other types of malware. If your phone becomes infected, you’ll need to do a full factory reset.

2. Disable Bluetooth when you don’t need it

Bluetooth works similarly to Wi-Fi and cellular networks but performs simpler tasks at shorter ranges. You don’t need a cellular signal or network connection to use Bluetooth, and it doesn’t use data. And like any other connection, it’s not 100% safe.

Hackers and scammers must be close to you to use Bluetooth to hijack your phone. But in just about any public space, you’re arm’s length from strangers.

The NSA’s advice: Turn off Bluetooth when you’re not using it. It’ll help battery life, too.

Airplane mode also disables Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, among other things, so it works in a pinch — but you won’t receive calls or texts.

THE STEP I TAKE TO CLEAR MY INBOX EVERY JANUARY

3. Skip public USB ports

In spaces like the airport or coffee shop, hackers can use them to install malware or steal your data. Now, actual cases of juice jacking are rare in the U.S. but it’s still a real threat. They happen through USB connections, so if a kiosk has actual power outlets to charge your phone using your own adapter, you’re good to go.

Stay away from USB ports of any size, especially when traveling overseas. USB standards are international, and foreign hackers can target USB ports in hotels or rentals to steal your data, even if you’re not using a kiosk.

More and more public kiosks have wireless charging pads instead of USBs. This method doesn’t exchange data directly with your phone, so it’s virus-free by default. 

If you’re desperate for juice, you can use a USB connection safely … with the right cable. Pack a charge-only cable for your trip. They’re cheap and compact, and they don’t allow for data transfers.

4. Don’t use public Wi-Fi

It's a playground for snoopers. Public Wi-Fi is open to everyone, and every device is susceptible, whether it’s your smartphone, laptop or tablet.

Just because a public Wi-Fi network pops up and asks if you want to join doesn’t mean it’s legitimate. If you’re at a coffee shop or hotel, ask an employee for the specific name of their Wi-Fi network. Scammers will sometimes create networks called "Coffee Shop" or "Hotel Guest" to make you believe you’re connecting to the real thing when, actually, you’re not.

Here’s a good rule of thumb: If it requires a username and password to log in, you should only access that site from your own private network. If you do need to access sensitive sites or info on a public network, don’t do it without a VPN enabled.

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5. Cover your mic and camera

The NSA says it’s best to use a protective case that drowns out your microphone and covers your camera when you’re not using it.

In "hot-miking" attacks, hackers activate your microphone without you knowing it so they can listen into your conversations. It happens when your device has been compromised in some way, usually through malware or an app that’s exploiting permissions you granted. Most folks aren’t targets for attacks like this, but I’d rather be safe than sorry.

Start with app permissions to check what access you’ve handed out:

It’s not just hackers to worry about. Most of what you type, say, search and buy is being tracked in one way or another.

The only unhackable layer of security is physically blocking the sound or camera feed. There are expensive cases out there that do the job, or you can buy a mic blocker for around $10. 

It slides into your headphone port to stop recording. You’ll need an adapter unless your phone still has an audio jack. For a cheaper DIY option, grab your oldest corded headphones, snip them off and plug that into an adapter.

Pro tip: When your phone’s microphone is on or was recently accessed, you’ll see a small orange dot at the top of the screen. You’ll see a green dot if your camera is in use or was recently recording. 

While this is on your mind, go a step further. Here’s a quick 5-minute phone cleanup I like to do a few times a year.

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You’ve got dinner in the oven, you’re looking for extra glasses, and your cousin’s kid screams (again), "What’s the Wi-Fi password?" You’re juggling a hundred things at once, and the last thing you want to do is to spell out your password.

Here’s the good news: You can slap a printout on the fridge, and everyone can scan it with their phones to connect. But first, I’ll show you how to create a separate network so you don’t need to worry about little Billy getting into your personal stuff on your devices and computers.

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Be my guest

When guests connect to your main Wi-Fi, they can potentially access devices like smart TVs, printers, and even your laptop or phone if file sharing is enabled. Worse, if their device is compromised, your whole network could be at risk. A guest network keeps everyone happy while keeping your private life private.

Most modern routers let you set up a guest network without having to be a tech guru. Warning: This will take you a few minutes, but it’s totally doable.

RELATED: Is your internet slo-o-o-w? Let’s fix that.

Step 1: Log into your router’s admin console. You’ll need your IP address. You can usually find this on a sticker on the bottom or side of your router. Seeing 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 is common.

If you don’t see yours …

Step 2: Open your browser, type http:// and paste in your IP address. Hit Enter to open a login page. For the credentials, try the username admin and the word password for the password. If the defaults are different, they’re likely printed on your router. You can also check this site that lists default passwords for almost every router in use.

Step 3: Look for a setting called Guest Network or Guest Wi-Fi. Give it a different name (aka SSID) than your main network, along with a strong, unique password.

TECH TIP: SAVE YOUR MEMORIES BEFORE IT’S TOO LATE

If you have snoops in the family … When family and friends connect to your Wi-Fi guest network, you can block them from accessing your files or devices on your primary network. Turn off the local access setting.

Sorry, but dedicated snoops won’t stop at one closed door. Here’s a sign someone is poking around.

While you’re at it, a quick security check

Before you finish, take these extra steps to lock things down:

BIOMETRIC DATA: IS IT SAFE TO HAND IT OVER TO ANY COMPANY THAT ASKS?

Your network is a bigger target than you realize.

Now for the fun part

Create a QR code that automatically connects guests to your new guest network — no hassle, no drama. With the free site QIFI.org, all you need is three pieces of info:

Hit Generate and your QR code is ready. Print some copies of it to hang around the house, or do what I did: Order this custom sign that looks classy. Now, when someone asks for the Wi-Fi password, you can just point.

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If you’re like me, your home Wi-Fi is at the center of almost everything you do online, whether it’s online banking, paying bills, booking trips, chatting with friends or streaming movies.

These days, it’s not just your laptop and phone connected to the network, but also things like security cameras, thermostats and even air conditioners are all managed by your router. But be honest, when was the last time you did anything to secure your router? It’s easy to forget about it, especially if it’s working fine. The thing is, a lot of people feel the same way, and a study reveals this "out of sight, out of mind" attitude could be putting millions at serious risk.

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The 2024 Broadband Genie router security survey has uncovered some startling facts about how internet users approach router security. Over half of respondents (52%) admitted they have never adjusted their router’s factory settings. Even more concerning, 86% of users have never changed their router administrator password. Leaving the default admin password unchanged is like leaving your front door unlocked. It’s an open invitation for hackers to exploit.

Similarly, 72% of respondents have never changed their Wi-Fi password. Default passwords are often easily accessible and can be exploited in seconds by knowledgeable attackers. Firmware updates, essential for patching vulnerabilities and enhancing router functionality, are also largely ignored. An overwhelming 89% of users have never updated their router’s firmware. While newer routers often handle updates automatically, user awareness and action remain vital for those with older devices.

Another glaring issue is the failure to change default network names, such as "SKY12345" or "Linksys-7890." These identifiers can provide hackers with crucial information about the router model, making it easier to exploit known vulnerabilities. Yet, 89% of respondents have never changed their network name.

CLEVER TRICK TO MAKE A CONNECTION FASTER ON YOUR WI-FI NETWORK

Alarmingly, 75% of users have never checked to see who is connected to their network. With an average home now hosting around 12 connected devices, failing to monitor network activity could lead to unauthorized access and potential data breaches. Even more worrying, three-quarters of respondents do not understand why adjusting router settings is important, showing a significant gap in awareness about the risks associated with default configurations.

"In 2022, we ran a similar study and found 48% had never touched their router's factory settings. It’s concerning that not only has the number come down after two years, it’s got worse," said Alex Tofts, strategist at Broadband Genie.

"Most concerning is the very high percentage of broadband subscribers who don’t even know why they should be making any of these changes. This exposes a clear knowledge gap, and users need to be educated more about the simple steps they can take to help prevent cyberattacks."

HOW TO CHECK IF SOMEONE IS STEALING YOUR WI-FI

Keeping your home network secure is essential to prevent unauthorized access and potential data breaches. Follow these steps to safeguard your Wi-Fi router:

1) Change default passwords: Most routers come with default passwords that hackers can easily find online. To secure your router, change both the admin password (used to access settings) and the Wi-Fi network password. Use a strong password with at least 12 characters, combining uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers and symbols. Avoid simple options like "password123" or personal details such as your name or birth date.

2) Rename your network (SSID): The default network name, or SSID, often includes the router’s brand or model, making it easier for hackers to identify vulnerabilities. Rename your network to something unique that doesn’t reveal personal information. Avoid using names, addresses or other identifiers. Instead, opt for a neutral or creative name that’s easy for you to recognize but hard for others to associate with you.

3) Keep your router’s firmware updated: Router manufacturers release firmware updates to patch security flaws and enhance performance. Check your router’s admin panel regularly for updates or enable automatic updates, if supported. Keeping your firmware up to date ensures you’re protected against the latest threats. If your router is too old to receive updates, it might be time to upgrade to a newer, more secure model.

4) Monitor network activity regularly: Unauthorized devices on your network can slow it down and expose you to risks. Log into your router’s admin settings to view all connected devices. If you see anything suspicious, disconnect it and immediately change your Wi-Fi password. You can also enable MAC address filtering to control which devices can access your network or disable features like WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) that may leave you vulnerable.

5) Enable network encryption: Use the strongest encryption protocol available for your router, preferably WPA3 or at least WPA2. Encryption scrambles the data transmitted over your network, making it much harder for hackers to intercept and decipher your information.

6) Regularly reboot your router: Schedule routine reboots to clear the system memory and refresh all connections, which may disrupt potential malware.

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Pro tip: Use strong antivirus software: To further protect your devices from malware and other threats, consider using reputable antivirus software. Antivirus programs can detect and remove malicious software, provide real-time protection and alert you to potential threats. Keeping your devices secure helps ensure your entire network remains safe from cyberattacks.

The best way to safeguard yourself from malicious links that install malware, potentially accessing your private information, is to have antivirus software installed on all your devices. This protection can also alert you to phishing emails and ransomware scams, keeping your personal information and digital assets safe. Get my picks for the best 2024 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices.

Cybercriminals are constantly evolving the ways they target us, which means securing just your phone or laptop isn’t enough anymore. You need to be cautious with anything connected to the internet, whether it's your router, smart cameras or doorbell. However, the Broadband Genie survey reveals that only a small number of people are aware of the best cybersecurity practices when it comes to protecting their routers. As a basic rule, always remember to change default passwords and rename your router’s network to ensure better security.

What are your biggest concerns when it comes to cybersecurity? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

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Have you ever felt a little uneasy while browsing the internet, wondering who might be watching your online activities? 

Well, let me introduce you to a handy tool that can put your mind at ease: the virtual private network, or VPN. 

Whether you're working from home, streaming your favorite shows or just exploring the web, a VPN can help ensure that your data stays secure and your privacy intact. So, let’s dive into why having a VPN at home is a smart move.

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A virtual private network, or VPN, encrypts your internet traffic and reroutes it through a server in a different location than your own. VPNs make it appear that you are connecting to the internet from whichever location the server is hosted in rather than your actual location.

When you first connect to a network using a VPN, your device will establish a secure connection with the VPN server, and your device's IP address will appear as the VPN server, meaning that only your internet service provider will see that you're connecting to a VPN server. Normally, when you connect to a website, the website or any online services you visit can see your device's technical information, including location-sensitive data such as IP addresses.

THE BEST VPNS FOR BROWSING THE WEB IN 2024

While your home internet connection is more secure than a public Wi-Fi connection, VPNs still provide a greater sense of privacy and access to content that might be restricted due to location. Here are 10 reasons I have for getting a home VPN.

Online communication can be hit or miss when it comes to security. Some messaging services, such as Whatsapp, use end-to-end device encryption, which helps keep your messages secure, but other messaging services, such as Skype, don't use end-to-end encryption. If you use a VPN with any communication apps, then all your connection and messaging data between your device and the VPN server is fully encrypted.

Online content and services like Netflix are restricted to specific geographic regions. This content can range from news websites to video streaming platforms and social media apps. Using a VPN at home can appear to be using the internet from another location, allowing you to access restricted services.

Sometimes, an internet service provider (ISP) will slow down bandwidth or certain online activities. One of the most common reasons networks do this is to manage network congestion, especially during peak hours. You might notice that your home internet connection slows down at night, when everyone is home from work, or it might slow down when summer vacation starts. Using a VPN will prevent your service provider from identifying the type of web content you are accessing, making it impossible for your ISP to slow down your traffic.

A VPN also keeps your internet activity private from Wi-Fi network admins, who, if technically skilled enough, can figure out which websites you've visited. If you're worried about the Wi-Fi admin of your office, hotel, school or other public place having access to your browsing history, a VPN is the perfect solution for you. When it comes to your own home Wi-Fi network, a VPN will keep your browsing history private from other household members.

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Hackers deploy large-scale cyberattacks to observe network activity and steal your information. These attacks are particularly prevalent on public Wi-Fi networks, which often have minimal security measures, but they can also target secured networks. Using a VPN can significantly enhance your security by providing encryption for your internet traffic, making it difficult for hackers to intercept and read your data. This encryption is especially crucial when using public Wi-Fi, as it secures your information from potential eavesdroppers.

Additionally, a VPN masks your real IP address with that of the VPN server, helping to protect your identity online and making it harder for attackers to target you directly. However, it is essential to understand that while a VPN adds a layer of security, it is not a comprehensive solution against all cyber threats.

A VPN does not prevent malware infections or phishing attacks, so you must still employ strong antivirus software and exercise caution when clicking on links or downloading files. Get my picks for the best 2024 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices.

Furthermore, not all VPNs are created equal; some may have vulnerabilities or questionable privacy practices. It is crucial to choose a reputable provider that uses strong encryption and has a clear no-logging policy.

There's a myriad of reasons, ranging from political to economic, that countries use to justify censoring certain apps and websites. It can be incredibly frustrating for citizens and anyone traveling to that country to lose access to email, social media, news websites and other tools that keep us connected to the world around us. I've used VPNs extensively while traveling to ensure that I can always view my most important websites, no matter where I actually am. As I've mentioned, a VPN can mask your IP address and make it appear as traffic from a different country, allowing you to bypass online geographic restrictions.

One of the best reasons to have a VPN at home is that it can help you save money and find better deals while online shopping. Some online retailers change their prices depending on users' locations. However, when using a VPN while shopping for plane tickets, hotels or gifts, it's possible to find cheaper prices just by changing your location. 

It's no longer the work of sci-fi. We do know that governments, nearly all of them, surveil their citizens. A VPN will add a layer of privacy, making it significantly more difficult for governments to detect your web traffic. Even if you feel that you have nothing to hide, online privacy is something you should feel free to exercise.

Much like governments, your ISP can surveil your online activity with ease. While most ISPs claim that they don't sell your browsing data, they are often allowed through contracts with marketing agencies to give your data away for free to advertise to you. The simplest way to hide your online activity from your ISP is to use a VPN. When using a VPN, your ISP won't be able to see which websites you visit or which apps you use.

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While it may seem counterintuitive, a VPN can offer faster connection speeds for online gaming. It can also help prevent your ISP from throttling bandwidth directly from gaming servers. By changing your VPN's location, you can connect to a server closer to your gaming server, which will give you better latency. This is also called ping, which determines how fast the server responds to your inputs.

CAN YOU BE TRACKED WHEN USING A VPN?

To fully leverage the benefits of your VPN and enhance your online security, consider these important tips that will help protect your personal information and ensure safe browsing.

1. Choose a reliable VPN: Select a reputable VPN service with strong encryption protocols. For best VPN software, see my expert review of the best VPNs for browsing the web privately on your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices. 

2. Always use VPN on public Wi-Fi: Never access financial accounts on public networks without activating your VPN first.

3. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA): Add an extra layer of security to your accounts by enabling 2FA.

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4. Use strong, unique passwords: Create complex passwords for each of your accounts and consider using a password manager. Consider using a password manager to generate and store complex passwords.

5. Regularly monitor your accounts: Check your retirement accounts frequently for any suspicious activity.

6. Keep software updated: Ensure your devices and apps are always up-to-date with the latest security patches.

7. Be cautious of phishing scams while using a VPN: Even with a VPN securing your connection, phishing scams remain a significant threat to your online safety. These scams often use deceptive emails or links to steal sensitive information like passwords or credit card numbers. To protect yourself, combine the use of a VPN with strong antivirus software that detects and blocks phishing attempts. Additionally, always scrutinize unsolicited emails, avoid clicking on suspicious links, and never provide personal information without verifying the source. For the best protection, check out my expert reviews of the top 2024 antivirus solutions for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices. Together with a VPN, this approach helps keep your personal information and digital assets safe.

If you want to start taking your online privacy seriously, it's worth getting a VPN. There are a wide range of options available. You can pick up a router with a VPN or install a software VPN on your devices. I prefer to have a VPN on my laptop and smartphone, and I especially find it useful when traveling internationally.

Do you have a reason for using a VPN we didn't feature in the list? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact

For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/Newsletter

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Answers to the most-asked CyberGuy questions:

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