Public WiFi risks: Why you should avoid using public WiFi

Public WiFi networks are wireless internet access networks that are freely accessible to people in public locations like restaurants, libraries and airports. They can be open and require no password or establishments can offer a shared password for users to connect to the WiFi.

Despite its convenience, public WiFi lacks adequate security measures, exposing users to various internet security risks. The weak authentication protocols and lack of encryption allow cybercriminals to connect and intercept data transmitted over the network, gaining access to sensitive information such as a user’s login credentials and financial information.

Identifying and understanding the various online risks that public WiFi networks pose can help you take steps to secure your data and devices. Here are some common cyber threats you may encounter when using public WiFi.

Man-in-the-middle (MITM) attacks are a form of eavesdropping in which hackers intercept communication between your device and the internet. Because public WiFi lacks encryption, hackers can embed themselves undetected in a connection stream. MITM attacks enable them to collect data or alter the connection by injecting malicious content.

These are fake WiFi networks set up by hackers to imitate legitimate public WiFi networks. They usually have names similar to those of actual networks, making it difficult for users to differentiate between them. When you unsuspectingly connect to a rogue hotspot, the hackers can monitor, access or redirect your data to malicious websites.

Hackers use packet sniffing methods to gather data from users by intercepting data packets transmitted over a network. They use packet sniffing software and hardware tools to capture and analyze information such as emails, files and passwords sent and received across the internet.

Hackers can intercept public WiFi networks and exploit their vulnerabilities to inject and distribute malware into connected devices. Users can unintentionally download malware by clicking on malicious links or downloading infected applications and files. Once installed unknowingly by users, hackers can steal data, track user activities or even take control of the device.

Session hijacking involves a hacker taking over a user’s web session cookie, usually by using the session ID used to authenticate a user on a website. After hijacking your session, they can access your online accounts and activities. Session hijacking can result in identity theft, unauthorized financial transactions and other fraudulent activities.

Fortunately, you can implement some steps to protect yourself from public WiFi security risks. Some of the internet security measures you can take include:

A VPN adds a layer of security by encrypting your internet connection. It routes your traffic through secure web servers, making it difficult for hackers to eavesdrop and intercept your data.

Use a VPN to keep your online activities private and securely access information like emails and financial accounts.

Enabling 2FA provides extra security for your online accounts, including social media security, by requiring a second form of verification in addition to your password. The extra steps to secure your accounts include sending codes via SMS or calls, authenticator apps or biometrics such as face scans. 2FA makes it challenging for hackers to access your accounts, even if they manage to steal your password.

Enabling 2FA provides extra security for your online accounts, including social media security, by requiring a second form of verification in addition to your password. The extra steps to secure your accounts include sending codes via SMS or calls, authenticator apps or biometrics such as face scans. 2FA makes it challenging for hackers to access your accounts, even if they manage to steal your password.

Regularly updating your devices’ software and apps ensures you receive the latest security patches and bug fixes to secure your phone from hackers. Hackers often exploit vulnerabilities in outdated software to access your devices and steal data.

Be vigilant when browsing online and only access HTTPS rather than HTTP websites. HTTPS is a web protocol that encrypts data between your browser and the website, providing an additional security measure. Look for the padlock symbol in the browser’s address bar to confirm the site uses HTTPS.

Consider installing antivirus and antimalware software on your devices. This software can detect and remove malicious content that may have infected your devices while connected to public WiFi networks.

Turn off the WiFi auto-connect feature on your devices to prevent them from automatically connecting to unknown public WiFi networks. Manually select which WiFi network you want to connect to.

Connect to your mobile data or use your phone as a mobile hotspot to provide internet to your devices. Mobile data connections use encryption protocols offered by mobile carriers to protect data transmitted by the cellular network. In addition, you have control over which devices can connect to your mobile hotspot by setting a strong, unique password and managing connected devices.

Learn more: How to secure your home WiFi