Four potential threats to public Wi-Fi access points

Public Wi-Fi can be quite dangerous for users because it is often not protected from intruders and hackers who can launch cyberattacks and steal sensitive information.

Since these free hotspots are available in restaurants, hotels, airports, bookstores, and even random retail outlets, it's not uncommon for you to connect to them.

However, this freedom comes at a price, and few people truly understand the risks of public Wi-Fi. If you learn how to protect yourself, your personal data will be safe.

What are the dangers?
Public Wi-Fi can be potentially dangerous for your personal data and devices. Let's look at the four main risks associated with using public Wi-Fi hotspots:

Data interception

When you connect to public Wi-Fi, your information, such as passwords, usernames, and bank details, may be sent over an unsecured network. This can allow attackers to intercept your information and use it to steal your identity or money.

Phishing.

Public Wi-Fi can host phishing sites that attempt to gain access to personal information such as passwords or credit card numbers.

Phishing sites may appear to be legitimate websites, such as those of banks, social media, email, and other services we use online. However, in reality, these sites were created by malicious actors to gain access to sensitive user data.

Viruses and malware

Public Wi-Fi networks may contain viruses and other malware that can infect users' computers and mobile devices. This can cause data loss, financial loss, and other problems.

One reason why public Wi-Fi networks can be dangerous is that they are unsecured networks. This means that anyone can connect to such a network and view other users' data transmissions. Attackers can use this opportunity to intercept sensitive information such as passwords, credit card numbers, and personal data.

Man-in-the-middle attacks

Man-in-the-middle (MITM) attacks are a common type of cyberattack that allow attackers to listen in on communications between two targets. The attack takes place between two hosts that are legitimately communicating, allowing the attacker to "listen in" on a conversation they would not normally be able to listen to, hence the name "man in the middle."

How to use Wi-Fi safely?

Using public Wi-Fi is a risk, and there is always a chance that an intruder is hiding behind it. However, there are ways to stay safe when using public hotspots. You should also avoid using public Wi-Fi to share sensitive information such as passwords or bank details.

• When you are on a public connection, try not to access anything that contains personal information. If someone is lurking, they could get hold of important data.
• Use a VPN to help protect your connection and personal information online. It encrypts your data and hides your IP address, allowing you to browse the web without fear of someone snooping.
• Use anti-virus software to scan for any viruses that may have been downloaded to your devices.
• When you use a public Wi-Fi network, cybercrawlers can access your password. One way to increase your protection is to enable two-factor authentication on any services that offer it. When enabled, it ensures that even if someone gains access to your password when you're using public Wi-Fi, they still won't be able to access your accounts. You will usually receive a second step to sign in - such as a call or a code on your smartphone - which you will use to sign in to your account.
• When you browse on a private or public network, there are ways to check if the website you're going to is secure. Most websites encrypt data using the TLS (Transport Layer Security) protocol. This is an authentication and security protocol implemented in almost any browser and web server.