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Free public Wi-Fi has become a resource many of us rely on while traveling, but is it safe? Watch more>

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WBTV) - As you travel this summer or work from a local cafe, you’ll want to be wary of connecting to public WiFi networks. Internet Security Expert Eric Plam says your data is valuable and scammers want to access it so they can sell it on the dark web.

SURFING the internet can help pass the time in departure lounges while waiting for a flight. And, federal officials have revealed how travelers can enjoy scrolling through their social media feeds while also keeping safe.

Internet security experts warn of the potential dangers of using free public Wi-Fi. While these networks are convenient, especially when traveling abroad, experts say free Wi-Fi could actually cost you. Many hackers and scammers profit off of stealing personal data. One method of hijacking private information online is what experts call the “man in the middle” or “evil twin” Wi-Fi scam.

As the summer travel season heats up, travelers are urged to protect their private information from cyber threats when connecting to free Wi-Fi at cafes, airports, and other public places. Internet security expert Eric Plam, who is also the president of a company that produces mobile hotspots, SIMO, emphasized the importance of connectivity, likening it to "water and air." However, he warned that "free and public Wi-Fi access points can be fraught with danger."

Internet security expert Eric, who has appeared on CNN discussing "Twin Wi-Fi" attacks and serves as president of mobile hotspot company SIMO, emphasized that while connectivity is essential as "water and air," he warned that "free and public Wi-Fi access points can be fraught with danger." The report recommends using VPN protection and avoiding sensitive transactions.

Internet security expert Eric, who has appeared on CNN discussing "Twin Wi-Fi" attacks and serves as president of mobile hotspot company SIMO, emphasized that while connectivity is essential as "water and air," he warned that "free and public Wi-Fi access points can be fraught with danger." The report recommends using VPN protection, avoiding sensitive transactions, and disabling automatic connections.

CHARLOTTE — Internet security experts warn of the potential dangers of using free public Wi-Fi. While these networks are convenient, especially when traveling abroad, experts say free Wi-Fi could actually cost you. Many hackers and scammers profit off of stealing personal data. One method of hijacking private information online is what experts call the “man in the middle” or “evil twin” Wi-Fi scam.

As the summer travel season heats up, travelers are urged to protect their private information from cyber threats when connecting to free Wi-Fi at cafes, airports, and other public places. Internet security expert Eric Plam, who is also the president of a company that produces mobile hotspots, SIMO, emphasized the importance of connectivity, likening it to "water and air." However, he warned that "free and public Wi-Fi access points can be fraught with danger."

Internet security expert Eric, who has appeared on CNN discussing "Twin Wi-Fi" attack methods and serves as president of mobile hotspot company SIMO, emphasized that while connectivity is as essential as "water and air," he warned that "free and public Wi-Fi access points can be fraught with danger." The investigation recommends using VPN protection, avoiding sensitive transactions on public networks, and turning off automatic Wi-Fi connections to stay safe.