The rapid rise in business travel—up 19% over the past year—has opened new opportunities for cybercriminals. Shockingly, 70% of business travelers have encountered cyber-attacks, underscoring the urgent need for stronger security measures. Whether connecting to public Wi-Fi, using shared devices, or charging phones at airports, business travelers unknowingly expose sensitive corporate data to cyber threats.
To combat these risks, Indusface, a leading application security SaaS provider, has identified the top cybersecurity challenges for business travelers and outlined practical solutions to mitigate them.
Major Cybersecurity Risks Facing Business Travelers
1. Public Wi-Fi Networks: A Hacker’s Favorite Trap
Public Wi-Fi at airports, hotels, and cafés is a convenient way to stay connected, but it’s also a breeding ground for cybercrime. Many public networks lack encryption, making it easy for hackers to intercept emails, passwords, and business communications. In some cases, attackers set up fake Wi-Fi hotspots to trick users into connecting, unknowingly exposing their data.
Venky Sundar, Founder and President of Indusface, advises businesses to enforce strict policies regarding public Wi-Fi use. Employees should always use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to encrypt their internet traffic or opt for secure mobile hotspots. Turning off auto-connect settings on devices can also help prevent accidental connections to rogue networks.
2. Lost or Stolen Devices: A Serious Security Breach
The growing trend of “bleisure” travel—combining business with leisure—has increased the likelihood of misplaced or stolen devices. Reports indicate that 80% of business travelers have lost laptops, tablets, or smartphones, and only 40% were able to recover them. Losing a device containing sensitive corporate data can lead to severe financial and reputational damage.
To mitigate this risk, companies should implement remote device management that allows IT teams to wipe data remotely if a device goes missing. Employees should always use strong passwords, biometric authentication, and encrypted storage to prevent unauthorized access. Investing in smart luggage with tracking features can also help keep devices secure while traveling.
3. Unsecured Mobile Apps: A Gateway for Cyber Intrusions
Many business travelers rely on mobile apps for communication, banking, and document sharing. However, using unverified or poorly secured apps can lead to unauthorized data access. Messaging apps without end-to-end encryption, for example, are particularly vulnerable to cyber espionage.
To reduce this risk, companies should regularly assess mobile applications for security vulnerabilities and require employees to use only approved, encrypted communication tools. Conducting penetration testing on corporate apps can also help identify weaknesses before cybercriminals exploit them.
4. “Juice Jacking” Attacks: A Hidden Charging Threat
One of the lesser-known cyber risks business travelers face is “juice jacking,” where cybercriminals compromise public USB charging stations to inject malware or steal data from connected devices. Airports, hotel lobbies, and conference centers are common places where this attack occurs.
To stay safe, travelers should avoid using public USB charging ports and instead carry portable power banks or plug-in chargers. A simple solution is to use USB data blockers, which prevent unauthorized data transfer while allowing the device to charge safely.
5. Shared Devices and Public Computers: A Cybersecurity Minefield
Many business travelers use hotel business centers, conference room computers, or shared workstations without realizing the risks. These devices may be infected with spyware, keystroke loggers, or other malicious software designed to steal credentials. Additionally, some users forget to log out, leaving sensitive business accounts exposed.
To minimize risks, business travelers should avoid using shared computers for sensitive work. If absolutely necessary, they should use a private browsing mode, never save login credentials, and manually clear browsing history before leaving. Multifactor authentication (MFA) adds an extra layer of protection when accessing business accounts from unfamiliar devices.
How Companies Can Strengthen Business Travel Cybersecurity
As cyber threats continue to evolve, organizations must prioritize cybersecurity training for employees who travel frequently. Businesses should establish clear security policies, enforce device encryption and VPN usage, and invest in cybersecurity awareness programs to educate employees about potential risks.
With cybercriminals constantly seeking new ways to exploit vulnerabilities, business travelers must take proactive steps to protect their data. By adopting robust security measures, staying vigilant about digital hygiene, and using secure technology, companies can safeguard their employees and sensitive corporate information—ensuring smooth, secure, and worry-free business travel.
The post Business Travelers Are the New Target for Hackers as 70% Fall Victim to Cyber Attacks—How to Stay Secure from Public Wi-Fi, Juice Jacking and Data Theft appeared first on Travel And Tour World.
