One of the greatest advantages of staying in a hotel is having access to free WiFi. It’s a great opportunity to browse freely. However, keep in mind that a hotel’s WiFi network, even in a reputable establishment, is never 100% secure, as it may be vulnerable to hacker attacks. This is why it’s important to take some precautions before and during the connection. Here’s everything you need to know about best practices when connecting to a hotel’s WiFi.
Steps to connect to a hotel’s WiFi
Most of the time, connecting to a hotel’s WiFi is very easy. Just follow these steps:
- First, activate the WiFi on your device and search for networks.
- Once the list of wireless connections appears, choose the hotel’s network name and enter the security key or password (available from the front desk).
If your hotel specifies that the connection is only available in certain areas of the establishment, try to stay as close to those areas as possible to ensure better reception.
Precautions to Take When Connecting to a Hotel WiFi Network
As previously mentioned, a hotel's network can be vulnerable to hacker attacks, with data circulating on it being a true jackpot for them. This is because many hotels, even well-known ones, tend to neglect the security of their IT systems. To avoid potential issues, here are the best practices to follow when connecting to hotel WiFi on the Île de Ré safely:
- Strengthen the security of your device by installing a reliable antivirus
- Connect to the correct network: ensure you are connecting to the hotel's WiFi and not to an "Evil Twin" access point, which might trick you into providing your personal data. These fake sites often look almost identical to the hotel’s network. If unsure, seek assistance at the front desk.
- Avoid file sharing: sites offering downloads can make your computer vulnerable to cyberattacks.
- Disconnect your device when you are not using the WiFi.
- Avoid conducting financial transactions. If necessary, make sure the website is secured with the HTTPS protocol.