Nowadays you have internet almost everywhere and even without a data bundle it is quite easy to dive into a hotspot and use the free connection. Nevertheless, it is wiser to avoid them, even for the average user.

You are also at risk with the free WiFi that NS offers on its trains.

An unsecured WiFi connection is a network that does not encrypt or secure anything. All your internet traffic can therefore be intercepted in this way, unlike a secure connection. With a secure connection, everything you do is encrypted. You can easily spot an unsecured network. An unsecured network does not require a password.

You can also choose a VPN or other secure connection, to work or something to limit the danger of the open Wifi network, but "Wifi in the Train" usually blocks that. The WiFi on the train does not require an active attack to retrieve information from and about the users.

IT expert Hannes Mühleisen examined the situation regarding the guarantees for our data when we use free internet on the train and the results were not positive.

No hacker or technological disguise necessary. All you need at NS on the train is an antenna. In this way, malicious parties can very easily intercept privacy-sensitive data. 

NS Wifi often slow and disconnected sessions too quickly.

NS and one of its partners offer free wireless internet on the train. Wireless internet is available in almost all Intercity's. You can recognize an Intercity with wireless internet by the WiFi logo on the outside of the train. If you travel by train with wireless internet, go to 'Connections' on your laptop or phone. Then choose 'Wifi on the train' and you will be connected in a few seconds.

NS WiFi is used by many travelers at the same time, and NS wants to ensure that it is as stable as possible for every user. When someone is not actively using the internet for more than 15 minutes, the connection is automatically disconnected in order not to let the total number of connections get out of hand. After the connection is lost, you will have to reconnect to the network, so you have to agree to the conditions again.

Print Friendly, PDF & Email