Free public Wi-Fi may seem like a “bonus lifeline” when you’re on the go and out of mobile data. Students and freelancers on a tight budget might view it as a jackpot – but is it truly a lucky break or a mirage?
When searching for the internet near you, remember that safety comes first. Despite the convenience and monetary benefits public Wi-Fi has to offer, it’s not always sugar, spice, and everything nice.
Unrestricted Wi-Fi networks can expose you to major digital security risks, and since mobile devices store our most personal and sensitive data, this is bad news. Let’s get into how public Wi-Fi works, what dangers it holds, and how you can successfully evade them.
What is Public Wi-Fi?
Any Wi-Fi network, except the one at your home or private workspace, can be considered public Wi-Fi. Open Wi-Fi networks at cafes, restaurants, shopping malls, airports, hotels, libraries, and other venues open to the community qualify.
Types of Public Wi-Fi
- When a Wi-Fi network is accessible without a password, it’s called an “open network”; as a result, your phone may connect to it automatically.
- A secured Wi-Fi network requires authentication; you may need to register an account and log in, or simply provide a password to connect.
Benefits of Public Wi-Fi
Risks of Using Public Wi-Fi
It is mainstream for public establishments to offer free Wi-Fi as a favor to their customers, whilst unwittingly endangering their privacy. Open Wi-Fi networks are highly susceptible to cyberattacks, whereas secured Wi-Fi networks are partially protected with.
Is public Wi-Fi safe? The short answer is NO! Connecting to unrestricted wireless networks is discouraged because of the following risks:
1. Personal Data Exposure
Literally anyone can connect to open public networks, which implies that security features are flimsy, if not non-existent. Cybercriminals in the area can easily maneuver these networks with specialized software and conduct data breaches. Your confidential data could be leaked and used for phishing attacks, identity theft, blackmail, and other fraudulent activities.
2. Data Theft
Encryption converts your data into a complex code that is difficult to interpret. However, open Wi-Fi networks lack this feature, which means your data is transmitted as plain text; this makes it a lot easier to intercept. Hackers on the network can steal sensitive information, such as login credentials, bank account details, and personal emails/messages.
3. Man-in-the-Middle Attacks
In business, the middleman plays the role of a facilitator between the manufacturer and consumer of a product, but on a public Wi-Fi network, the man in the middle is a mole. This mole eavesdrops on info passed between you and web apps, so they can manipulate it, use it to commit cybercrimes, and frame you.
4. Fake Hotspots
Suppose you’re at Starbucks, and you see an open Wi-Fi network named “sTaRbUkS” on your phone. Will you quickly connect (because free Wi-Fi, who cares?) or think twice? The harmless-looking guy seated a few feet away could be a hacker, and that weirdly spelled out Wi-Fi network could just be a fake hotspot set up by them. Once you connect to it, they will be able to see everything you do online.
5. Malware Insertion
When you connect to an unprotected or malicious network, cybercriminals get the opportunity to exploit the vulnerabilities of your device and infect it with lethal malware/viruses. Inserted malware can damage the operating system, corrupt files, open remote access to your applications, and even spy on you.
How to Stay Safe on Public Wi-Fi?
Avoiding public Wi-Fi altogether would be ideal, but who are we kidding? Sometimes, you are in dire need of internet access while you’re out and about, and rejecting an available facility doesn’t sound like the smart thing to do.
Whether cellular internet isn’t working or you’re pinching pennies, it’s okay to use public Wi-Fi cautiously. Here’s how you protect your data and mitigate associated risks:
1. Verify the Wi-Fi Network
Public Wi-Fi networks provided by legitimate businesses are almost always password-protected. Therefore, if you notice an open network with a somewhat suspicious name, do the responsible thing: reach out to an employee or representative of the business for verification. Typically, you have to purchase something to get the Wi-Fi password, so nothing’s 100% free (beware if it is).
2. Use a VPN
People who connect to public Wi-Fi networks every day or regularly must equip themselves with a virtual private network (VPN). This is a digital tool that conceals your IP address and encrypts all your data, which prevents hackers from discovering your true identity and location.
P.S. You can find a plethora of on the web; we recommend the paid ones because they are more reliable.
3. Don’t Access or Share Sensitive Info
When using public Wi-Fi, avoid using applications that require login credentials or sharing of sensitive information, such as your credit/debit card number; this includes banking apps, shopping sites, social media accounts, etc. Low-risk activities like streaming music, playing mobile games, and getting directions on Google Maps are fine.
4. Stick to Secure Websites
Browsing websites on public Wi-Fi shouldn’t be a problem, as long as they have an . Websites secured with an SSL certificate have https at the beginning of their URL. A webpage starting with http can expose your activity to others on the network, whereas sites with https encrypt your browsing data.
5. Disable Automatic Connect & Forget Network After Use
You don’t want your smartphone or mobile device to connect to a malicious Wi-Fi network without your knowledge; hence, disable the auto-connect feature from Wi-Fi settings on your device. Moreover, after you’re done using a public network, make your device forget it so it doesn’t reconnect the next time you’re around.
6. Enable Two-Factor Authentication
Using different and complex passwords for all your online accounts is a great practice to prevent break-ins, but it’s not entirely foolproof. Add an extra layer of security by enabling two-factor authentication (2FA) - with 2FA, your account remains inaccessible until a second authentication step is completed. For example, you may receive a confirmation code on your registered phone number.
7. Install Firewall & Antivirus Software
An active firewall and reliable antivirus software can keep your device out of harm’s way while using a public Wi-Fi network. We suggest investing in paid versions, as they are armed with better security features as opposed to free ones. Advanced antivirus programs can efficiently detect and block online threats before they infect your operating system.
8. Keep Your System Clean & Updated
Regular clearing of cache, cookies, and browsing history is essential, as hackers can use them to track your online activity and steal sensitive information. Similarly, outdated software also weakens your defense against cyberattacks; timely install updates because they include security patches, which eliminate vulnerabilities and improve device performance.
Alternatives to Public Wi-Fi
We’re done going over public Wi-Fi dangers and protection tips, and now we'll talk about possible alternatives to ditch risky internet for good.
1. Mobile Internet Hotspots
Someone who travels a lot or is continuously on the move due to a socially active lifestyle must subscribe to an adequate mobile internet plan. Your phone’s mobile data can be used to create a private hotspot for connecting other devices; your mobile hotspot offers a more secure connection compared to public Wi-Fi sources.
2. Home Internet & Public Wi-Fi Bundles
Anyone who isn’t fond of the idea of heavily relying on mobile data may lean towards internet providers that offer free and secure Wi-Fi hotspots to their customers. These hotspots are exclusive to consumers who already paying for a service, which is why the possibility of bad actors on the network is minimized.
3. Paid Secure Wi-Fi Services
Public Wi-Fi networks that are password-protected are safer than open networks, but not fully impenetrable. However, certain establishments do offer premium secured Wi-Fi to those who are willing to pay a small price to fortify their online defenses.
Coworking Spaces are the perfect example, where freelancers, remote workers, and entrepreneurs unite to benefit from a resourceful environment.
Students and Freelancers who use public Wi-Fi for money-saving purposes should check out the following resources:
FAQs
Which is the best VPN for public Wi-Fi security?
The best VPN services you can use to keep yourself safe on a public Wi-Fi network include NordVPN, Surfshark, and ProtonVPN.
Public Wi-Fi vs. mobile hotspot: What is the difference and which is better?
Public Wi-Fi belongs to a third party, and the network is open for everyone with or without a password. A mobile hotspot is created with a smartphone using one’s mobile data; the Wi-Fi network created by your mobile hotspot is more secure and only accessible with your personalized password.
Can the public Wi-Fi provider view my online activity?
Typically, Wi-Fi owners or administrators have access to information such as the names of websites visited by different users. However, since most websites are protected with HTTPS, they cannot see everything you do on the site.
