Are Public Wi-Fi Networks Secure?

How often do you go to a mall or visit a coffee shop and a notification pops up to connect to a free Wi-Fi network? It’s tempting because you can stay connected without burning through your own mobile data. But have you stopped to wonder how secure these networks really are?

In short, they’re generally not. Sure, public Wi-Fi is convenient especially if you need to respond to an urgent e-mail or hop on a quick meeting but the dangers are very much present.

 

What Is Public Wi-Fi?

 

It’s a wireless Internet available in shared locations and, as the name suggests, can be used by the general public. Think airports while you wait for your flight, restaurants, gyms and even universities or schools.

In most cases, these networks either require no password at all or have one that can be accessed by everyone. But a network that is designed to be easily accessed opens the door for cybercriminals to have a field day.

 

 

Why Is It Risky To Use Public Wi-Fi?

 

These networks aren’t like your home or office ones that usually have better encryption and more unique passwords. So when you use them, you and your data are way more vulnerable. Here’s why.

 

Encryption Is Usually Absent

 

When your data is encrypted, as it would be with your private network, the data gets jumbled up as it goes between your device and the Internet. If anyone were to try intercept it, they wouldn’t be able to make sense of what it’s saying so it keeps your conversations and activity secure.

However, most public Wi-Fi networks don’t use it. That means any cybercriminal who knows what they’re doing would be able to see what you’re up to.

 

Fake Wi-Fi Networks Can Catch You Out

 

It’s very easy for hackers to create lookalike networks that are almost indistinguishable from public ones. If you were at a café, they could simply create one with the café’s name and add something like “free Wi-Fi” to get you to think it’s the real thing.

And if you make the mistake of connecting to it, all of your online activity can be monitored.

 

 

It’s Open To Everyone

 

Probably the biggest issue with public Wi-Fi networks is that by its very name, it’s accessible to absolutely everyone. Including hackers. These individuals are usually very tech-savvy and know how to spot an easy target.

It’s just a matter of connecting to the network, finding their next victim and then using their tools to get into their devices to steal information like passwords or banking details.

 

Why Do We Let Our Guard Down With Public Wi-Fi?

 

The psychology behind public Wi-Fi is that we are given a false sense of security. We think that because we are staying at a high-end hotel or dining at a popular restaurant, the network must be safe given the reputation of the institution.

The reality is very different. Most of these places don’t even have a dedicated IT team and the networks have very basic settings or outdated routers.

Hackers are very aware of this illusion of safety and take full advantage of it. It’s like they don’t even need to find a victim, the victim just comes to them.

 

Can These Networks Be Used Safely?

 

It’s not to say that public Wi-Fi networks are entirely a no-go zone, they can still be used if you just take some precautions. So how can one do this? Let’s get into it.

Use a VPN: A Virtual Private Network is one of the best tools out there to secure your Internet activity. It encrypts the entire connection so nobody can access it, even on a public network.

Disable sharing settings: Make sure things like Bluetooth and AirDrop if you work on Apple are switched off so that you can’t be easily identified.

Use an antivirus: These usually go hand-in-hand with a VPN for maximum protection. They can find and stop viruses and threats before they cause damage to your device.

Enable Two-Factor Authentication: Even if somebody steals your password, they won’t be able to log in without the second verification.

Turn off auto-connect: Disable the setting where your phone or laptop automatically connects to a public network. This is to make sure you don’t unknowingly connect to a fake network. It always helps to double check with someone who works at the public location if you are connecting to the correct network.