A new global survey by cybersecurity company NordVPN reveals that commuters around the world are aware of the potential cybersecurity threats while traveling but continue to take risks with their devices. The research highlights that 75% of US commuters and 73% of Canadian commuters use their smartphones during their daily commutes and 61% of commuters globally connect to the internet while traveling.
Despite 54% of commuters using their smartphones to listen to music or podcasts, 50% to make calls and send messages, and 45% to scroll through social media, many still fail to consider the security risks that accompany being online in public spaces. A growing concern is “shoulder surfing,” where others can easily see what’s on a commuter’s screen in crowded public places.
“Commuting time has turned into screen time. Whether by listening to podcasts, catching up on messages, or scrolling through social media, people stay connected to the internet even in transit. But few stop to think about the security risks that come with being online in constantly changing environments,” says Adrianus Warmenhoven, a cybersecurity expert at NordVPN.
How commuters use devices during their trips
The global study revealed that 8 in 10 commuters worldwide use a mobile device during their commutes, with smartphones being the most popular choice.
Many travelers (54%) listen to music or podcasts, 50% call and message people, and 45% scroll social media. A third of commuters watch videos, movies, and shows, while 27% play games and 24% do work-related tasks during their travels.
In terms of internet connectivity, 60% of commuters globally go online during their travel, with South Korea leading at 80%, followed by countries like the UK and Germany, where 68% of commuters connect to the internet. Despite the widespread connectivity, public Wi-Fi remains a common and risky choice for commuters, with 60% of commuters globally using public Wi-Fi to access the internet.
“Today’s commuters are more likely to be attached to their smartphones or connected to the internet. However, this also opens the door to potential cybersecurity risks. The same survey revealed that 69% of the population is concerned about possible cyber threats during their trips,” says Adrianus Warmenhoven.
Public Wi-Fi and cybersecurity threats
The survey also highlighted how public Wi-Fi poses a significant cybersecurity threat. In many regions, commuters seem willing to take the risk of using unsecured networks, exposing their data to potential hackers. For example, 79% of commuters in South Korea and 68% in the UK use public Wi-Fi, compared to just 35% of Swedes. The lack of encryption in many public Wi-Fi networks makes these connections highly vulnerable to cyberattacks.
However, most commuters said they take at least one measure to protect their data while commuting, such as using strong passwords (47%), keeping software updated (46%), and avoiding giving sensitive information (37%). Yet, a concerning 18% of commuters globally reported taking no measures to protect their data while using their devices on the go.
Shoulder surfing and distractions
Another security threat identified in the survey is shoulder surfing, the practice of someone looking over another person’s shoulder to see what’s on their screen. Almost a quarter of global commuters have witnessed this. Spain has the highest rate, at 34%, while Sweden has the lowest, at 7%.
“Most people think of cyber threats as something happening online, but sometimes, the risk is standing right next to you. Shoulder surfing can expose sensitive information without you even realizing it. A quick look from the wrong person can put your passwords, financial details, private messages, or personal data at risk,” says Warmenhoven.
Distractions from device use also impact commuter safety. Globally, 21% of commuters admitted to missing their stop due to device distractions. The highest rate was seen in South Korea, where 32% of commuters reported missing their stop while distracted by their devices.
Tips for safer commuting
Despite the growing risks, 74% of Americans and 71% of Canadians expressed concern about potential cyber threats during their commutes, with commuters in countries like Spain and Italy showing a high level of concern as well. However, in countries like Sweden, commuters are generally less concerned, with 7 out of 10 people either not concerned or only slightly concerned about cyber threats.
“After all, public connections are a hacker’s playground. Avoid accessing sensitive accounts on these networks, always enable two-factor authentication, and keep your devices updated to stay one step ahead of cyber threats,” says Warmenhoven.
To protect your data and privacy, he also recommends keeping personal cybersecurity tips in mind: “Regular updates, strong passwords, and a VPN are your first line of defense. Lock your devices and disable auto-connect to ensure you’re not unknowingly exposing yourself to cyber threats.”
Methodology: The survey was commissioned by NordVPN and conducted by the external companies Cint and Norstat from February 20 to March 2, 2025. The survey’s target group consisted of residents of the US, the UK, Canada, Australia, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Sweden, South Korea, and Japan aged 18-74 (nationally representative) with an exception in South Korea (18-64).
The sample was taken from national internet users. Quotas were placed on age, gender, and place of residence. In total, 10,800 people were surveyed — 800 people from Spain and 1,000 people from each of the remaining countries.
For more insights and infographics of the study, please visit: https://nordvpn.com/blog/commute-smartphone-safety-research-us-ca-2025
