Some of Europe’s biggest festivals, like Glastonbury and Primavera Sound, are just a month away, and while thousands will be dancing in the crowds, cybercriminals and thieves might be lurking nearby.
Digital tech safety is something to be aware of at all times, and especially at busy events because your personal data, devices, and even safety could be at risk.
Eric Morhenn, tech expert at Nomad eSIM shares 6 essential tips for festival-goers to stay safe, connected and protected this season.
1. Use a privacy screen protector
When you’re checking your phone in a crowd, you never know who’s looking over your shoulder. A privacy screen makes it nearly impossible for people next to you to read your texts, see your banking info, or snap photos of your ticket QR codes.
Eric says: “People think of pickpockets stealing wallets, but actually, someone just glancing at your phone or taking a quick photo of your screen can expose your personal info and put you at risk. A £10 privacy screen can prevent that. If you’re pulling up tickets, checking bank apps, or even swiping on dating apps at a festival, it’s a small investment with a big safety return.”
2. Set up a trusted device tracker
Festivals are chaotic: phones get dropped, bags get misplaced, and sometimes items are stolen. Tools like Apple AirTags or Tile trackers can be attached to your keys, bag, or phone case. If something goes missing, you can track its location from another device or ask a friend for help.
Eric says: “A festival, especially if it’s in a foreign country, is one of the worst places to lose your phone. But if you’ve got a tracker set up, there’s a good chance you’ll get it back.
Make sure your tracker is linked to your Apple or Android account, and test it before you go. Enable ‘left behind’ alerts- this way your phone can actually notify you if you walk away from your devices. That one setting alone is a lifesaver for so many people.”
3. Avoid public Wi-Fi without protection
Open Wi-Fi networks at festivals might seem convenient, but they’re often unsecure. Hackers can use these networks to intercept your data. If you must connect, use a VPN, and turn off your phone’s setting that automatically connects to open networks.
Eric says: “Unsecured Wi-Fi is like screaming your passwords in a crowd. A lot of people connect to fake networks that look official but are set up just to steal login info or inject malware.
If you can, avoid Wi-Fi entirely and use your data plan. But if you really need to connect, a VPN adds a protective tunnel that hides your activity. And make sure auto-join is turned off. You don’t want your phone quietly connecting to a trap without you realizing.”
4. Boost your connectivity safety
Signal is often unreliable at large festivals, especially in rural locations or crowded urban areas. Using a phone that supports dual SIM, (such as a physical SIM combined with an eSIM) lets you connect to two mobile networks simultaneously.
Eric says: “Many phones now support dual SIM functionality, meaning you can get both a physical SIM and an eSIM in the same phone. This allows you to connect to two networks at once and gives you flexibility to use whichever network has better service in the area. It’s a huge advantage when coverage gets spotty or during emergencies.”
5. Download offline maps and set up emergency info
Cell service is often unreliable at festivals due to overcrowded towers. By downloading offline maps ahead of time, you can still navigate even without signal. Also, make sure your phone has emergency contacts and medical info visible from the lock screen, in case someone finds you or your phone.
Eric says: “People forget that GPS doesn’t need data to work, it just needs a downloaded map. If you’re going to a festival in a rural or crowded area, download your route, the festival grounds, and surrounding areas. It might save you if you get separated or need to leave in an emergency.”
6. Charge smart and safe
Public USB charging stations can be risky because hackers can install malware or steal data through the same cable you use to charge. Bring your own portable power bank or use a USB data blocker, a tiny device that allows power but blocks data transfer.
Eric says: “Most people have no idea their phone can be hacked just by plugging into a sketchy charger. And at festivals, when you’re tired, your phone’s dying, and you just want a quick top-up, mistakes happen easily.
The best thing to do is to bring your own power bank. Or if you do need to use a public USB port, a data blocker is a must. It’s tiny, cheap, and it completely blocks the risk.”