The Dangers of Using Public Wi-Fi That You Should Know

It’s pretty standard these days to find free public Wi-Fi at most places. Hotels, coffee shops, and other public places use it to attract customers. Customers also appreciate this complimentary perk, as it helps them stay online and engage in various online activities on the go.

But what if we tell you that this “free” convenience can put your finances and personal data at risk? Data sent over public Wi-Fi can be easily intercepted, making hacking over public Wi-Fi a common occurrence. It’s a favored hunting ground for cybercriminals.

The dangers of using the public internet are real, and being aware of the risks is your first line of defense. In this blog, we’ll discuss the most common risks of using public Wi-Fi networks along with ways to avoid them. So, let’s begin!

What Exactly Is Public Wi-Fi?

Public Wi-Fi refers to wireless internet access that is freely accessible at shared or public locations. It connects you quickly and conveniently. In most cases, you don’t need any sort of verification before connecting to such networks. Even the password is publicly posted for people to see.

These networks allow tourists, students, and remote workers to use the internet in coffee shops, restaurants, hotels, airports, and other public places. Users can connect in just a few clicks, as it doesn’t require any setup.

The open-door nature of such networks makes them so vulnerable to security threats. Any network other than your home or workplace should be considered a public network and approached with caution. 

What are the Dangers of Using Public Wi-Fi?

When you use public, unsecured Wi-Fi, you’re exposing yourself to threats such as hackers, malware, phishing attacks, and more. Below are the most common dangers of using public Wi-Fi.

Man-in-the-Middle (MITM) Attacks

In a Man‑in‑the‑Middle attacks, the hacker intercepts data flowing between the network and your device. They position themselves between you and the destination server, so they can capture personal information, such as passwords, bank details, emails, and credit card numbers.

Hackers can use this information to make fraudulent purchases or even steal your identity. For example, suppose you’re at the airport ordering a last-minute gift online. A hacker on the same public Wi-Fi can quietly capture the card details you type in. And within minutes, they could be buying expensive gadgets using your money.

Malicious hotspots

Malicious hotspots are networks that hackers create to trick users by using a name similar to a genuine Wi-Fi network. For example, you might be sitting at a Starbucks outlet and might want to connect to Wi-Fi. A hacker will set up a network with a name similar to the actual Wi-Fi provided by Starbucks. They might name it “Star Bucks, or Starbuckss.” Once a user connects to such networks, the hacker can access sensitive information in seconds.

Session Hijacking

In a session hijacking attack, a hacker gains access to the cookies stored on your device. When you visit a website and enter your login details, your browser saves your session info in cookies so you can return to the site without logging in again.

When a hacker wants your login details, they may target the cookies stored on your device. These cookies keep you signed in to websites. If a cybercriminal steals them, they can hijack your active session. This means that they can access your email, social media, or other online accounts without needing your password. Essentially, they impersonate you and take over your digital life.

Packet sniffing

Data traveling through a network is organized in packets. Hackers use packet sniffing kits and software that intercept these data packets and collect information. This is also known as Wi-Fi snooping.

With this method, hackers can monitor your entire online activity. They may follow the pages you browse, read the messages you send, and even capture personal files or photos you upload or download. It’s like someone secretly looking over your shoulder every moment you’re on the internet.

Malware distribution

On a public network, attackers can easily introduce malicious software into your device. They can trick you into filling out an unsecured form on a website that appears safe. They can also send you phishing emails and make you download malicious software and files.

Put simply, the dangers of using public Wi-Fi include hackers spying on your activity, stealing your personal details, and taking control of your accounts or device. Because these networks are unsecured, cybercriminals can easily launch attacks like fake hotspots, session hijacking, and malware infections that you won’t even notice. That’s why switching to a secure option like Nomad Internet Service helps travelers and remote workers stay protected without relying on unsafe public Wi-Fi.

How to Stay Safe on Public Wi-Fi – Best Practices

Now that we’ve discussed the dangers of using public Wi-Fi, let’s take a look at a few best practices that you can follow to ensure that you stay safe on public networks.

Use Secure Networks

Ensure your business Wi-Fi is properly encrypted to prevent unauthorized individuals from accessing the network. Before connecting to any network, it’s crucial to check if your WiFi is secure to ensure that your connection is protected against potential cyber threats. It blocks hackers from sneaking in and stealing important information. When browsing, always check for a padlock icon and “https://” at the beginning of a website address. This means your connection is protected by SSL, keeping your data secure while it travels between your device and the website.

This protects you from cybercriminals who target unsecured data. Also, never ignore your browser’s security alerts, as they serve as your first warning sign that a website could be dangerous.

Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN)

A VPN is the safest way to avoid the dangers of using public Wi-Fi. However, for those living or traveling in RVs, getting Unlimited Internet for RV is an even better way to stay connected securely without depending on public networks. 

When you use a VPN, your data travels through an encrypted tunnel, making it completely inaccessible to others on the network. As most hackers are looking for easy targets, they tend not to focus on encrypted data, as it requires considerable effort to break through strong security.

Disable File Sharing

If you share files with other devices on your home or work network, make sure to disable this option when connecting to a public Wi-Fi network. It will ensure that other users on that network don’t access your personal files.

Forget the Network

Once you have finished using the Wi-Fi network, use the “Forget This Network” option to prevent your device from automatically reconnecting to that network. Automatic reconnection can expose you to an attacker’s evil twin network.

To stay safe on a public network, use secure connections (such as HTTPS and VPNs), keep file sharing disabled, and pay attention to browser warnings. Also, forget the network after use, so your device doesn’t automatically reconnect to risky hotspots. If you’re struggling with weak Wi-Fi signals at home or while working remotely, you can follow these proven tips on how to get a stronger WiFi signal in your house to maintain a stable and reliable connection. 

Let’s Summarize

Public Wi-Fi exposes your personal information to cybercriminals. Being aware of the dangers of using public Wi-Fi is the first step towards securing your information. Using a VPN is one of the safest options to ensure the safety of your data. If you’re a frequent traveler who needs secure internet access on the go, explore Ubifi plans for reliable and secure internet solutions.

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