Global cybersecurity company NordVPN revealed that the percentage of electronic devices used while using public transportation in Korea is very high, and many of them access the Internet through public Wi-Fi. Public Wi-Fi is vulnerable to personal information protection, but many users are not taking security measures, emphasizing the importance of cyber safety and protection during commuting.

According to a survey conducted by NordVPN on 1,000 people by country, 81% of Koreans use public transportation to commute every day or more than twice a week, and 93% of them use electronic devices while on the move. 88% of them use smartphones, and 79% are connected to the Internet. In Japan, the public transportation usage rate is 68%, and the usage of electronic devices while on the move is 70%, and 65% of them use smartphones.

In our country, 79% of people use public Wi-Fi while on the move, and public Wi-Fi connections can expose them to cyber threats. However, 22% of users do not take any measures to protect their data. On the other hand, 42% update software to protect their personal information, and 39% avoid sensitive information. 37% responded that they use strong passwords and 21% use privacy film.

32% of users responded that they had missed their stop due to internet use. This shows that many Koreans are using digital devices during their commute, and thus, raising awareness of cybersecurity is becoming more important. Commute time is virtually 'screen time', with people constantly connected to the internet while on the move, listening to music, checking messages, and checking social media. However, most people rarely think about the security risks associated with online connections.

Additionally, 21% of respondents said they have witnessed someone peeking at their screen. This is known as 'shoulder surfing', and peeking at other people's electronic devices in public places such as buses, trains, and subways can create vulnerabilities in personal information protection and security. You may think that cyber threats only occur online, but this peeking can expose sensitive information such as passwords and financial information.

“Public Wi-Fi is a hacker’s playground. Always enable two-factor authentication and keep your devices up to date to stay one step ahead of cyber threats,” says Adrianus Warmenhove, cybersecurity expert at NordVPN. “Regular updates, strong passwords, and a VPN are the first line of defense to protect your personal information and data. “You should lock your devices and disable automatic connections to avoid exposure to cyber threats,” he said.