This summer is set to be a scorcher. Many kiwis will be on the move, road tripping to the beach, or jetting off to exciting destinations far and wide. With that said, you’ll need access to the internet. However, public wifi in airports, hotels, and even restaurants and cafes can pose some nasty risks.
Many Kiwis may connect to airport wifi networks to navigate their journey or kill time by scrolling social media or streaming. However, this can make travellers particularly vulnerable since they would likely be accessing private information such as online banking to exchange currency, or their passport and flight details.
Even at restaurants and cafes, holidayers may be checking Google Maps for the walk route back to their hotel, or transferring money to and from different accounts to shout their friends a nice dinner. When we use public wifi networks to access this information, we may be – accidentally – exposing ourselves to hackers and viruses.
Public wifi is a great resource. These free networks are easy to find, convenient, and accessible when you’re on the go and are a simple way to reduce cellular data use and avoid having to tap into roaming while exploring international destinations. But unfortunately, logging into a public network means that your personal device could be easily accessed by malevolent hackers when you are trying to pull up Google Maps or order an uber from the airport. These actors can access your personal information – from your stunning beach photos to your online banking. They can also redirect traffic, send your details to the Dark Web, and infiltrate your device with nasty viruses and malware.
Picture this: You’ve just landed in your dream overseas summer destination. Skies are blue. The sun is out. You make your first purchase but your card gets declined because you forgot to tell your bank about your travel plans. The restaurant has free wifi so you login and update your information. Any old hacker could now sneak in and track your activity, and steal your passwords and banking information – a distressing situation that you can avoid if you protect yourself!
How can we know which public networks are safe? Well, sadly, you cannot know! Researchers at Gen, the parent company of Norton, have found that over 38.37% of all public wifi routers in New Zealand have security issues. Of unsecured public networks, the most common vulnerabilities for global hacking are weak passwords and no encryption. Luckily, you can protect your online security. Norton VPN makes it simple and automatic.
The best way to digitally protect yourself and your family during your summer travels this year is by investing in a Norton VPN, which will secure the network with encryption technology.
Kiwis tend to digitally arm themselves during their adventures. Gen’s study found that 61% of Kiwis have used a VPN while travelling in the past. However, as few as 39% are likely to use a VPN during their summer holiday, exposing us to the risk of compromised security. Let’s choose to be cybersafe this season!
Keep your photos, passport information, accommodation location, and itineraries secure and private this summer. A VPN creates a barrier between your data and the router. This makes it more difficult for hackers to see your information and activity.
Transfer your hard-earned holiday savings out to pay for those cocktails or buy those Air Tags online so you can keep track of your kids’ check in luggage. Researchers at Gen found, in their study, that 40% of Kiwis use a VPN to improve their online shopping and online banking security when they’re travelling. Up to 65% of Kiwis in the study said that they’d participate in online banking if they were using a VPN during their adventures. By choosing Norton VPN, you can process these transactions safely and privately.
A Norton VPN will protect your device against the installation of malicious software without your knowledge or consent. Not only will this protect your private information, but it will also ensure your phone or laptop remains functional throughout your adventures, so you can continue to snap photos of you and your friends in snorkels and send your mum updates whenever she asks.
Norton has two offers going so that you can make the best choice for your unique itinerary and digital needs this summer.
With the Norton Secure VPN, block hackers from accessing your passwords, bank details and credit card numbers when logging into public networks from your PC, Mac or mobile device. For only NZ $69.99 for the first year, enjoy peace of mind as you embark on your New Zealand summer road trip. You can even enjoy your first 30 days free. How good is that?
Norton 360 Deluxe covers 3 devices and includes a VPN and an antivirus, protecting your phones, laptops or tablets from viruses and malware. It also includes dark web monitoring and parental control, so your kids can stay safe while streaming as you wait for your plane to board! This package is easy to set up and available for only $94.99 for your first year.
If your VPN connection is suddenly interrupted, you can automatically disconnect from the wifi to ensure complete security. For Windows and Android Only.
Secure and privatise sensitive data without losing access to local services. For Windows and Android Only.
It has been a tough year and you deserve to enjoy your summer travels with as little stress and as much peace of mind as possible. Norton’s VPN packages are the simplest ways to automatically protect your private information and devices whenever you connect to public wifi. Enjoy on-the-go access, private browsing, and their no-log policy, meaning Norton won’t track or hold onto your online activities.
With its plethora of crucial features, Norton VPN packages will prevent your private information and device from being compromised while streaming at the gate, or updating your bank details at a restaurant on the other side of the country. Enjoy peace of mind and behind-the-scenes protection – with Norton VPN – while you create your own beautiful scenes with friends at the beach cafe.
About the Study
On behalf of Gen, the research was conducted online by Dynata in New Zealand, with a pool of 1020 adults over 18 years old. The survey was conducted between July 4th 2023 to July 15th 2023.
