Expert Tech Experts Warn of New Scams Targeting Christmas Travelers, Now How You Can Protect Your Data and Devices

Published on December 8, 2025

By: Tuhin Sarkar

Expert tech experts are raising alarms about new scams targeting Christmas travelers this festive season. As millions of people prepare to travel, these cybercriminals are using the surge in holiday activity to exploit unsuspecting travelers. The rise of scams, such as public Wi-Fi fraud and shoulder surfing, puts Christmas travelers at risk of having their personal data and devices compromised.

Tech experts emphasize that Christmas travelers must be extra cautious, as these scams thrive in crowded places like airports and train stations. The holiday rush creates the perfect environment for cybercriminals to access sensitive information. Protecting your devices and data has never been more important.

Tech experts advise that Christmas travelers take immediate steps to safeguard their personal information. Stay tuned as we delve deeper into how you can protect yourself from these growing threats and enjoy your holiday travel without compromising your security.

As the Christmas season kicks off, travelers are at a higher risk of data breaches and cybercriminal activity. According to recent data, online searches for “data breaches” spiked in 2025 but have sharply declined as the festive season approaches. This alarming drop in awareness comes at a time when cybercriminals are actively targeting travelers, particularly those using public Wi-Fi at airports, train stations, and hotels. The festive season, with its surge in holiday travel, is the perfect time for hackers to exploit travelers’ vulnerabilities. From “evil twin” Wi-Fi scams to “shoulder surfing,” cybercriminals are looking for every opportunity to steal sensitive information. Protecting yourself and your devices has never been more critical during this high-risk period for Christmas travelers.

Understanding the Risks: Why Christmas Makes You Vulnerable
The holiday season brings an increase in travel, making it the ideal time for cybercriminals to target Christmas travelers. Busy airports, train stations, and public transport networks become hotbeds for scams. Many people let their guard down during the festivities, using unsecured public Wi-Fi networks without considering the risks. Hackers are known to exploit these moments, using tactics like the “evil twin” Wi-Fi scam, which tricks travelers into connecting to fake networks that look identical to legitimate hotspots. Once connected, criminals can intercept personal data, including passwords, bank details, and private messages. This makes the festive season an especially dangerous time for anyone traveling or using their devices in public spaces.

How to Protect Your Data When Using Public Wi-Fi
One of the most common ways cybercriminals target Christmas travelers is through unsecured public Wi-Fi networks. Airports, train stations, and coffee shops are notorious for providing open, free Wi-Fi that can be easily hijacked by hackers. When you connect to these networks, your personal information is at risk, including sensitive banking details and login credentials. To avoid this, always use a VPN to encrypt your data while browsing or using apps. This creates a secure tunnel, preventing hackers from accessing your sensitive information. Also, never log into banking apps or email accounts while connected to public Wi-Fi. If you must connect, always check the Wi-Fi name carefully to ensure it’s legitimate, and avoid automatic connections to any unsecured networks.

The ‘Evil Twin’ Scam: How It Works and How to Avoid It
The evil twin scam is a devious trick commonly used to target Christmas travelers. In this scam, hackers create fake Wi-Fi networks that look identical to the legitimate ones in the area, such as “Airport_Free_WiFi” instead of “Airport-Free-WiFi.” Once you connect to the fake network, the hacker gains access to everything you do online. This can include reading your emails, intercepting banking information, or even installing malicious malware on your device. To protect yourself, always double-check the Wi-Fi name before connecting, especially if it looks suspicious. If you’re unsure, ask an airport or station employee for the correct Wi-Fi network name. It’s crucial to remain cautious and take extra steps to protect your personal information while traveling.

Shoulder Surfing: A Sneaky Way Cybercriminals Steal Your Data
Shoulder surfing is a common and overlooked tactic used by cybercriminals to steal data from unsuspecting Christmas travelers. This simple method involves watching over someone’s shoulder to gather sensitive information, such as passwords or banking details, especially when they’re using their phones or laptops on public transport. Whether you’re on a train, bus, or in a crowded airport, criminals can easily see what you’re typing, especially if your screen isn’t properly shielded. To avoid this, consider using privacy screens or positioning yourself in a way that hides your screen from prying eyes. If you’re handling sensitive information, try to wait until you’re in a more secure environment or use encrypted connections to protect your data.

Keeping Your Devices Safe: Update and Secure Them Regularly
Christmas travelers often receive new devices as gifts, but many forget to update them or ensure they are secure. New devices come with default settings that may not be as secure as they should be. Always update your phone, laptop, or tablet to ensure it has the latest software updates and security patches. These updates fix vulnerabilities that could be exploited by hackers. Additionally, setting up multi-factor authentication (MFA) on all your accounts adds an extra layer of protection. MFA requires a second form of verification, such as a text message or authenticator app, which makes it much harder for hackers to gain access to your accounts. Always review your device’s privacy settings after an update, especially if your new device tracks your location or stores sensitive information.

Disposing of Old Devices Safely: Protect Your Data When Selling
During the Christmas season, many people choose to sell their old devices to make room for new ones. However, this can pose a significant data security risk if sensitive information remains on the device. Before selling or giving away an old phone, laptop, or tablet, always perform a factory reset. This removes all personal data, including passwords, banking information, and account logins. Be sure to sign out of all accounts and delete any linked payment methods. If you’re selling a device, ensure it’s completely wiped of personal information. Data thieves can easily retrieve sensitive data from improperly disposed devices, putting your personal and financial information at risk.

Corey Donovan’s Expert Tips for Staying Safe During the Holidays
Corey Donovan, the President of Alta Technologies, shared essential tips for protecting yourself from cyber threats during the holiday season. He stressed the importance of remaining vigilant while traveling, particularly when using public Wi-Fi networks. Cybercriminals are fully aware that Christmas travelers are distracted and may not take the necessary precautions. Donovan recommends using a VPN, updating all your devices, and setting up strong, unique passwords for each account. Additionally, he emphasizes the importance of reviewing privacy settings after any updates, especially for new devices. Following these steps will significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to cybercrime during the busy holiday travel season.

Conclusion: Stay Vigilant and Protect Your Devices
As Christmas travelers hit the roads, railways, and airports this festive season, cybercriminals are on the lookout for vulnerable targets. With the increase in travel and the use of public Wi-Fi, your personal data is at greater risk. To stay protected, always be cautious when connecting to Wi-Fi networks, use a VPN, update your devices regularly, and review privacy settings. Protect your new devices and securely dispose of old ones to ensure your data remains safe. By staying informed and vigilant, you can enjoy your travels without compromising your personal security during the Christmas season.