You have just landed after a long, exhausting flight. Your phone is hanging on by a thread, SIM card shops are closed, and you need internet fast. The airport's "free WiFi" pops up, so you connect without thinking twice.
Later that day, you open your wallet and realize your crypto is gone.
This is the kind of situation security experts say is becoming more common, thanks to something known as an "Evil Twin" WiFi attack.
What is an Evil Twin Attack?
An Evil Twin is a rogue WiFi network that appears nearly identical to a legitimate one. Hackers duplicate the names of genuine networks used in airports, cafes, and hotels. When users connect, the attacker can silently monitor traffic or redirect them to counterfeit login screens.
In 2018, Australian federal police charged a man who allegedly installed fake free WiFi hotspots at an airport, specifically to harvest personal data from unsuspecting travellers.
Connecting Does Not Instantly Drain Your Wallet
Simply joining a fake network will not automatically empty your crypto wallet. The real danger is what you do after connecting. If attackers capture exchange logins, email access, or two-factor authentication codes, they may quickly take over centralized accounts. Some users are tricked into typing their wallet seed phrase — a mistake that almost always leads to permanent loss.
How People Get Tricked
After connecting, victims may be shown fake login pages, pop-ups requesting account verification, or messages prompting software updates. These pages are convincing and always appear at the worst moment — when you are distracted or in a hurry.
How to Stay Safe While Travelling
- Avoid handling crypto on public WiFi — no transfers, no logins, no wallet connections.
- Always use a VPN when on public networks.
- Never enter your seed phrase, even if a page looks completely official.
- Verify the correct network name with venue staff before connecting.
- Use mobile data for any financial account access when away from home.
If you suspect your wallet was compromised via a public network, contact us immediately. Early action significantly improves recovery outcomes.
Have You Been Scammed?
Open a case today and let our experts begin the recovery process. A case-opening fee applies; full refund if unsuccessful.