Using Free Wi-Fi At Hotels? Microsoft Warns Travellers Of These Hidden Risks

Do you often ask for the Wi-Fi password the moment you check in at a hotel in a new city or a country? If yes, then you may have to rethink this decision. Microsoft has issued an urgent warning against using free Wi-Fi at hotels and public Wi-Fi networks. Here’s why.

Travellers Warned Against Using Free Wi-Fi At Hotels 

Travellers, we understand that free Wi-Fi at hotels can be quite convenient. It helps us easily access the internet when mobile data is not working and even lets you connect with your family back home while travelling. But make sure you choose not to use it on your next trip. According to India Today, Microsoft has issued a warning that using free internet could be dangerous. People can walk into a malware trap without even realising it.

The company says that these days, hackers are targeting hotel and other guest Wi-Fi networks around the world. They are stealing users’ passwords and can access sensitive data from your mobile or laptop, which is something you absolutely do not want.

Also Read: Indian Travellers, Take Note: These Schengen Countries Have Higher Visa Refusals

Hackers Targeting Travellers With Fake Pop-Ups & Websites 

According to India Today, Microsoft Threat Intelligence has found a hacking campaign called CaptiveCrunch, which has been targeting free Wi-Fi networks at hotels since May 2026. The activity has been linked to Storm-2945, a Russian hacking group. The hackers manipulate DNS and HTTP traffic on networks that use captive portals. When travellers log in or accept the terms, hackers redirect them to fake websites controlled by them.

Once connected to the fake sites, travellers usually see pop-ups asking them to install an update or fix a problem. These updates can then help hackers control their devices, including mobiles and laptops, and steal sensitive data. These fake pop-ups often look like genuine Windows or browser updates, which can fool a traveller. The targets of these hackers are mostly business travellers.

By manipulating your device, these hackers can easily steal saved passwords, files, audio, work-related data, videos and more. So, instead of free Wi-Fi, it is advised that travellers use a mobile hotspot, eSIM or another private network. Microsoft has also warned travellers not to download software updates, certificates or anything else from a Wi-Fi portal.

Also Read: Woman Urges Train Travellers To Stop Playing Music On Speaker, Internet Agrees

So, the next time you travel, make sure you say no to free Wi-Fi at hotels.

Cover Image Courtesy: Canva Pro/ Huaxiadragon and Pixelshot (Representative Image)

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