If I travel using Airbnb and my host provides Wi-Fi, am I putting myself at risk of being hacked? [closed]
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I have never used Airbnb before. I'm trying it out for the first time. For those who don't know, it basically is a company that connects travelers to individuals who are willing to rent rooms in their personal houses, or even the entire house.
Do I put my laptop, phone, iPad, etc at risk of data theft by using my host's network?
Best Answer
Technically speaking, whenever you connect to any network, you are putting yourself at risk.
In any case, I am telling you use, your risk is magnified, especially when the site/s you are visting aren't using encryption (i.e., HTTPS/TLS). Packets sent wirelessly can be easily viewed from another computer within the same network, using tools such as Wireshark. If no encryption, information sent over the network is available in plain-text.
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Is using Wi-Fi at Airbnb safe?
We encourage hosts to use wi-fi safety best practices: Create an encrypted (ex: WPA2) guest network, and only share that password with guests after they've confirmed their reservation. Store your router and modem in a secure, locked location in your home that guests can't access.Can Airbnb hosts see your Wi-Fi history?
Hosts don't need hidden cameras and microphones to spy on you during your stay. They can monitor the Airbnb's WiFi network and snoop on your online activity. The sites you visit will be plainly visible, letting the host know things you might not want them to.Does Airbnb track IP address?
As a company, Airbnb works to identify and ban users who go against its rules and regulations. They're able to do this by tracking the single IP address or the same contact information that hosts use across multiple accounts they manage.Should I bring my own router to Airbnb?
Often, it's past guests who have compromised the Wi-Fi. Unlike at your local coffee shop, a router in an Airbnb is often left out in a common space with no supervision, allowing anyone who stays there to tamper with it. Hacking a Wi-Fi router can be as easy as using a paperclip to reset it and gain admin control.You’ll lose thousands hosting on Airbnb if you do this
More answers regarding if I travel using Airbnb and my host provides Wi-Fi, am I putting myself at risk of being hacked? [closed]
Answer 2
As @Berwyn says, I always use a commercial VPN when using an unknown network at a coffee shop or other such place for banking or any other activity that involves a password to log on. Your risk is probably as high or higher at your local Starbucks or independent coffee shop than it is at a random AirBnb host's place.
Note that this is totally different from using an unknown computer that may have a keylogger (hardware or software) or whatever installed (and perhaps by a previous occupant rather than the possibly clueless host).
Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
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