Is airport Wi-Fi safe to use: Am I vulnerable to hackers when I use airport Wi-Fi?

Travellers will usually come across several free and unfamiliar Wi-Fi networks in their wanderings and whether you're logging on with a laptop, a tablet or a smartphone, there is a potential for hackers to see what websites you're visiting and your passwords.

If you see a network that calls itself "Free Wi-Fi", beware. Hackers will sometimes establish a free rogue Wi-Fi network for the very purpose of harvesting users' data.

This applies not only in airports but in any place where public Wi-Fi is freely available.

A browser is generally going to have more security features than an app, and a Virtual Private Network provides an extra layer of protection.

If you are using a browser on an unfamiliar network, make sure the website you're on starts with "https" which signifies an encrypted website.

The locked padlock in the browser window means you're operating in secure mode, an open padlock means the opposite.

If you want to bulletproof your browsing, consider a dedicated software security screen such as Norton Wi-Fi Privacy.