ExpressVPN, the consumer privacy and security company, has released a new study highlighting the surging concerns over cybercrime among holidaying British residents. The research finds that over four in ten Brits, or 41%, are anxious about getting scammed during their vacations. Additionally, according to this recent global survey, over one-third (36%) are more preoccupied with cybercrime during holidays compared to one year ago.
To compile these results, responses were elicited from 8,000 people across four nations including the UK, the USA, Germany, and France. The majority of British participants, coming in at 62%, expressed worries over potential snooping on their online activities when connected to public networks, like hotel Wi-Fi. Remarkably, a quarter of these respondents frequently harbour such fears any time they use public Wi-Fi.
The easing of travel restrictions imposed due to Covid-19 has seen the travel fields revive. Nevertheless, it has also marked a rise in online crime targeted at tourists seeking suspiciously attractive deals. The survey results indicate that 7% of global travellers have been victims of cybercrime during their journeys. Though this figure might appear insignificant, the impact it has on tourists’ behaviours is far from inconsequential.
Financial crime, specifically via credit card, Google Pay, or Apple Pay, remains a notable cybercrime affecting holidaying tourists. As much as half of the British cybercrime victims reported falling prey to financial fraud during their trips. Moreover, 40% of the victims declared that their data was misused when connecting to a public Wi-Fi network, and 39% experienced social media account hacking while on vacation.
The survey also shows that one quarter (25%) of UK respondents conceded that they would abstain from visiting a destination known for high levels of cybercrime. Locations with high cybercrime that worry travellers include the United States, India, Iran, Colombia, and Romania. Norway emerged as the ‘cyber-safest’ nation.
The traditional advisories to protect oneself against tangible risks such as pickpocketing or hotel room theft are also joined by the growing threat of cybercrime. Of the Brits, 44% are more concerned about physical crime while on holiday than 12 months ago. Extending this further, 36% of Brits are more concerned about cybercrime while on holiday than 12 months ago.
However, just 48% of Brits take precautions against cybercrime when vacationing. The precautions taken include avoiding free or public Wi-Fi networks, maintaining strong and unique passwords for all their accounts, and enabling two-factor authentication (2FA) on all accounts.
ExpressVPN Privacy Advocate Lauren Hendry Parsons highlights the growing urgency for cybersecurity vigilance when travelling. To ensure better digital security, she recommends using a VPN to encrypt internet connections, thereby shielding online activities from third parties, including internet service providers, Wi-Fi administrators, governments, and hackers. This protective measure is strongly advised, especially when utilising public Wi-Fi in locations such as airports, hotels, and cafes.
In line with this, ExpressVPN has designed the Aircove Go, a travel router aimed at offering VPN protection to ensure secure connections worldwide. By connecting your Aircove Go to any local Wi-Fi network, all devices hooked to the router are shielded, hence bolstering your security no matter where you are travelling.