Public Wi-Fi connections are a common convenience in our daily lives. They are nearly everywhere – airports, restaurants, coffee shops, libraries, public transit, and hotel rooms. However, these networks often lack proper encryption, making them a potential playground for hackers.

These cybercriminals can intercept the information being sent from the device you’re using, like your phone, laptop, or tablet, and use it for malicious purposes.

Generally, if you’re surfing the web to check up on the news or browse non-sensitive sites, the likelihood that hackers would be able to get any of your personal details are slim. However, the danger escalates when you’re online buying something or logging in to check your bank account. In such cases, scammers can intercept and steal your information.

How Hackers Exploit Public Wi-Fi

Hackers have various methods to exploit public Wi-Fi networks. They might be able to find your personal details in your emails or stored credit card and security passwords. Fraudsters can also find personal details via their social media accounts like Facebook and Instagram. They can then use that information to steal money from your account or spend it on your behalf.

One common method is the “Evil Twin” trick, where hackers create hotspots with innocent names to steal the data of users connecting to free Wi-Fi. Another technique is the “Man-in-the-middle” attack, where a user’s connection is compromised, and their login credentials, credit card details, and banking info are stolen.

Protecting Yourself on Public Wi-Fi

The best way to avoid becoming a victim is to use a secure VPN which encrypts all of your data that passes through the Wi-Fi or uses your phone data. VPNs create a secure tunnel for your data, making it much harder for hackers to intercept and steal your information.

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If you’re holidaying in Europe then you won’t be charged extra for using the data that’s included in your package abroad. But the same rules don’t apply for data roaming in countries outside of Europe and you could be slapped with unexpected charges. Therefore, always be wary of hitting your data limit.

Additional Safety Measures

Other safety measures include setting devices to forget previously used Wi-Fi networks or turning off Wi-Fi when not in use. Always ensure that you are connecting to HTTPS sites, as these are more secure than HTTP sites. Using two-factor authentication and avoiding sharing passwords across multiple sites can also enhance your security. Lastly, always remember to log off from any services used when your browsing is done.

Public Wi-Fi networks can be a convenient way to stay connected while on the go, but they also pose significant security risks. By understanding these risks and taking the necessary precautions, you can protect your personal information and enjoy a safer online experience.