We think Japan is one of the most friendly, welcoming places to take your next vacation. It's regularly ranked among the safest places in the world to live and visit, and there is definitely truth to the story of lost wallets, passports, and smartphones regularly being turned into a local police officer or train attendant. There should be no fear in coming to Japan. However, there is one important question you need to consider before your trip to Japan.
Is Free WiFi in Japan Safe?
Put the words "free" and "WiFi" in the same sentence, and it can feel like winning the lottery! Who doesn't want free WiFi, especially when you're in a foreign country and can't speak the language? But as with any technology designed to make the world a better place, there are always people who try to abuse its weaknesses, and free WiFi hotspots are no different. No matter what country you live in or visit, using free WiFi without protecting yourself carriers a significant risk of data theft. Japan is no exception. If you don't take the necessary steps to protect your smartphone or laptop, you may unknowingly allow your personal information to be collected by strangers. No one wants to be a victim of data theft. So what precautions can you take to reduce the risk?
5 Ways to Protect Yourself When Using Free WiFi in Japan
The following tips for protecting your smartphone or laptop from data theft should be considered whenever you log in to free public WiFi—this even includes cafes, hotels, libraries, and municipal accounts.
Use a VPN When Connecting to a Free WiFi Hotspot
VPNs are a great way to protect against data theft when using free WiFi in Japan. A VPN encrypts your data between your device and a secure server. This means that if someone tries to intercept your information while it's being transmitted—such as when logging into bank accounts, social media, email, Skype, and more—they will only see a scrambled string of random letters, numbers, and characters. To get a VPN app for your smartphone or laptop, simply visit your device's app store and search for "VPN."
Never Log Into a Free WiFI Hotspot That Doesn't Require a Password
If you decide to connect to free WiFi in Japan that doesn't require a password, try to keep your usage to an absolute minimum. Open networks are one of the ways data thieves lure people into exposing their information.
For example, if you're lost and need to use Google Maps, quickly check your directions and disconnect from the hotspot as soon as possible.
Never Log Into a Free WiFi Hotspot That Has a Generic Name
If a hotspot appears with a name like "Free WiFi," it's best to treat it with caution. Networks that aggressively try to get you to connect can be too good to be true. Legitimate providers usually name their hotspot clearly—often including the company or venue name. If you see something generic like "Free WiFi," it's safer to avoid connecting.
Create Unique Passwords For Your Accounts
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You can reduce the risk of data theft by creating unique passowrds for each account you use (banking, email, social media, etc.). That way, even if one account is compromised, the others remain protected and inaccessible to attackers.
Connect to the Internet Using a Secure Japan WiFi Rental
Japan WiFi rentals, such as data SIM cards and portable WiFi routers, offer secure connections so you don't have worry as much about risks like unsafe hotspots or data theft. For roughly the cost of a dinner for two, you can enjoy reliable internet access throughout your entire trip to Japan.
You Get What You Pay For
Free is not always truly "free" when your data is at risk. Don't take the chance of exposing your personal information to strangers when it costs so little to protect yourself. Sakura Mobile offers a variety of Japan WiFi rental options that provide secure connections. For more information on our available plans, please visit our WiFi rental page. If you're unsure which option is best for your trip, check out our comparison of data SIM cards vs Pocket WiFi routers to find the right fit for your needs.
"An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure." — Ben Franklin
