Public Wi-Fi and Safe Browsing

The Risks of Public Wi-Fi

Public Wi-Fi networks at cafes, airports, hotels, and libraries are convenient but risky. Anyone on the same network could potentially intercept your traffic, steal your data, or direct you to malicious websites.

Common Public Wi-Fi Attacks

• Evil twin networks: Attackers create fake hotspots with names like "Free Airport WiFi" to intercept your traffic
• Man-in-the-middle: Attackers position themselves between you and the network to read or modify your data
• Packet sniffing: Capturing unencrypted data sent over the network
• Malware distribution: Injecting malicious content into web pages you visit
• Session hijacking: Stealing your login sessions to access your accounts

Essential Protections

Use HTTPS Everywhere

HTTPS encrypts your connection to websites:

• Look for the padlock icon in your browser
• Never enter passwords or payment info on non-HTTPS sites
• Modern browsers warn you about insecure connections

Note: HTTPS protects data in transit but does not verify you are on the real website. Phishing sites can have HTTPS too.

Use a VPN

A Virtual Private Network encrypts all your internet traffic:

• Prevents anyone on the network from seeing what you do
• Protects against man-in-the-middle attacks
• Use a reputable paid VPN service, not free VPNs
• Enable the VPN before connecting to public Wi-Fi

Verify the Network Name

• Ask staff for the exact network name
• Be suspicious of multiple networks with similar names
• Avoid networks that do not require a password
• Do not auto-connect to open networks

What to Avoid on Public Wi-Fi

• Online banking and financial transactions
• Entering passwords for important accounts
• Shopping with credit cards
• Accessing sensitive work documents
• Logging into accounts without 2FA enabled

If you must do these things, use mobile data or a VPN instead.

Device Settings for Safety

• Turn off auto-connect: Prevent your device from joining networks automatically
• Disable file sharing: Turn off AirDrop, network discovery, and file sharing
• Enable firewall: Use your device's built-in firewall
• Forget the network: Remove public networks from your saved list after use
• Turn off Wi-Fi: Disable Wi-Fi when not actively using it

Mobile Hotspot as an Alternative

Using your phone as a hotspot is safer than public Wi-Fi:

• You control the network
• Data is encrypted by your carrier
• Set a strong password for your hotspot
• Uses your mobile data plan

Signs of a Compromised Network

• HTTPS sites show as insecure
• Certificate warnings appear
• Pages load differently than expected
• You are redirected to unexpected sites
• Login pages look slightly wrong

If anything seems off, disconnect immediately.

Key Takeaways

• Public Wi-Fi is convenient but risky
• Use a VPN for all public Wi-Fi connections
• Verify the network name with staff
• Avoid sensitive activities on public networks
• Use mobile data or hotspot for banking and shopping
• Forget public networks after use