{"id":49190,"date":"2015-08-07T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2015-08-07T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/staying-safe-when-using-public-wi-fi-connections\/"},"modified":"2024-04-12T16:16:02","modified_gmt":"2024-04-12T16:16:02","slug":"how-to-use-public-wi-fi-safely","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/how-to-use-public-wi-fi-safely","title":{"rendered":"How to Use Public Wi-Fi Safely: 16 Expert Tips to Follow in 2025"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Using public <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/10035\/wireless-fidelity-wi-fi\">Wi-Fi<\/a> networks can be extremely convenient because they allow you to stay connected while you&#8217;re on the go. However, it&#8217;s vital to exercise caution when you log into public Wi-Fi networks because of the various security vulnerabilities associated with these networks.<\/p>\n<p>Connecting to a public Wi-Fi network means data travels from your device to the website you&#8217;re accessing. This data can include <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/25260\/sensitive-information\">sensitive information<\/a>, such as login credentials for email, social media profiles, and financial accounts.<\/p>\n<p>Public Wi-Fi networks are typically unsecured, so they put your information at risk. However, most websites now employ encryption to safeguard data during transmission, enhancing the safety of public Wi-Fi connections.<\/p>\n<p>Still, you should be aware of public Wi-Fi dangers and carefully implement key safety measures, such as using the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/antivirus\/best-antivirus-software\">best antiviruses<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/vpn\/best-vpn\">best VPNs<\/a> and enabling <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/13699\/twofactor-authentication\">two-factor authentication<\/a> (2FA), to protect your data from breaches.<\/p>\n<div class=\"su-note\"  style=\"border-color:#e5e54c;border-radius:\u201c3\u201dpx;-moz-border-radius:\u201c3\u201dpx;-webkit-border-radius:\u201c3\u201dpx;\"><div class=\"su-note-inner su-u-clearfix su-u-trim\" style=\"background-color:#FFFF66;border-color:#ffffff;color:#333333;border-radius:\u201c3\u201dpx;-moz-border-radius:\u201c3\u201dpx;-webkit-border-radius:\u201c3\u201dpx;\">\n<h2><span id=\"key_takeaways\">Key Takeaways<\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>Public Wi-Fi networks are typically unsecured, putting your information at risk.<\/li>\n<li>It&#8217;s critical to exercise caution when you log into public Wi-Fi networks because of the various security vulnerabilities associated with these networks.<\/li>\n<li>Cybercriminals can inject malware into your device when you&#8217;re connected to an unsecured network.<\/li>\n<li>Although public Wi-Fi networks offer convenience, you need to be vigilant if you use them.<\/li>\n<li>Careless use of public Wi-Fi could jeopardize your financial information, financial details, and job security.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<div>\n    <section class=\"toc-sticky w-100 bg-white \">\n        <div class=\"toc-sticky__container container\">\n            <div class=\"toc-sticky__open d-flex align-items-end\" data-bs-toggle=\"collapse\"\n                 aria-controls=\"multiCollapse1\"\n                 data-bs-target=\"#multiCollapse1\">\n                <button\n                        class=\"btn btn-primary collapse-action-btn p-1 rounded-circle\"\n                        type=\"button\"\n                >\n                    <i class=\"icon-chevron-up\"><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n                <span id=\"toc-current-title\" class=\"d-flex align-items-center\">\n                    Table of Contents\n                <\/span>\n                <span class=\"toc-main-title-permanent\">Table of Contents<\/span>\n            <\/div>\n            <div\n                    class=\"collapse my-3\"\n                    id=\"multiCollapse1\"\n            >\n                <ol class=\"StepProgress\">\n                                                                        <li class=\"StepProgress-item current\">\n                                                <div class=\"StepProgress-item__group\">\n                            <a data-id=\"key_takeaways\"\n                               onclick=handleScrollToTitle(\"key_takeaways\")\n                               class=\"StepProgress-item__link\" data-level=\"2\">Key Takeaways<\/a>\n                                                    <\/div>\n                                                <\/li>\n                                                                        <li class=\"StepProgress-item\">\n                                                <div class=\"StepProgress-item__group\">\n                            <a data-id=\"putting_your_employer_at_risk\"\n                               onclick=handleScrollToTitle(\"putting_your_employer_at_risk\")\n                               class=\"StepProgress-item__link\" data-level=\"2\">Putting Your Employer at Risk<\/a>\n                                                    <\/div>\n                                                <\/li>\n                                                                        <li class=\"StepProgress-item\">\n                                                <div class=\"StepProgress-item__group\">\n                            <a data-id=\"how_to_stay_safe_on_public_wi-fi\"\n                               onclick=handleScrollToTitle(\"how_to_stay_safe_on_public_wi-fi\")\n                               class=\"StepProgress-item__link\" data-level=\"2\">How to Stay Safe on Public Wi-Fi<\/a>\n                                                    <\/div>\n                                                <\/li>\n                                                                        <li class=\"StepProgress-item\">\n                                                <div class=\"StepProgress-item__group\">\n                            <a data-id=\"the_bottom_line\"\n                               onclick=handleScrollToTitle(\"the_bottom_line\")\n                               class=\"StepProgress-item__link\" data-level=\"2\">The Bottom Line<\/a>\n                                                    <\/div>\n                                                <\/li>\n                                                                        <li class=\"StepProgress-item\">\n                                                <div class=\"StepProgress-item__group\">\n                            <a data-id=\"faqs\"\n                               onclick=handleScrollToTitle(\"faqs\")\n                               class=\"StepProgress-item__link\" data-level=\"2\">FAQs<\/a>\n                                                    <\/div>\n                                                <\/li>\n                                    <\/ol>\n                <div class=\"toc-sticky__container__disperse\"><\/div>\n                <div class=\"toc-sticky__btn-top justify-content-center\">\n                    <button class=\"btn btn-link d-flex align-items-center\" onclick={btnTop()}><p>Show Full Guide<\/p><img decoding=\"async\"\n                                src=\"\/wp-content\/plugins\/table-of-contents\/assets\/images\/arrow-up-circle.svg\"\n                                alt=\"arrow-up-circle\">\n                    <\/button>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/section>\n    <div class=\"toc-sticky-list\">\n        <div class=\"toc-sticky__container container\">\n            <div class=\"toc-sticky__open d-flex align-items-end\" data-bs-toggle=\"collapse\" aria-controls=\"multiCollapse2\" data-bs-target=\"#multiCollapse2\">\n                <button class=\"btn btn-primary collapse-action-btn p-1 rounded-circle\"\n                        type=\"button\">\n                    <i class=\"icon-chevron-up up\"><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n                <span id=\"toc-current-title\" class=\"d-flex align-items-center\">\n                    Table of Contents\n                <\/span>\n            <\/div>\n            <div  class=\"collapse my-3\" id=\"multiCollapse2\">\n                <ol class=\"StepProgress\">\n                    \t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t                                                     <li class=\"StepProgress-item current \">\n                                                    <div class=\"StepProgress-item__group\">\n                                <a data-id=\"key_takeaways\"\n                                   onclick=handleScrollToTitle(\"key_takeaways\")\n                                   class=\"StepProgress-item__link\"\n                                   data-level=\"2\">Key Takeaways<\/a>\n                                                            <\/div>\n                                                    <\/li>\n                    \t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t                                                     <li class=\"StepProgress-item \">\n                                                    <div class=\"StepProgress-item__group\">\n                                <a data-id=\"putting_your_employer_at_risk\"\n                                   onclick=handleScrollToTitle(\"putting_your_employer_at_risk\")\n                                   class=\"StepProgress-item__link\"\n                                   data-level=\"2\">Putting Your Employer at Risk<\/a>\n                                                            <\/div>\n                                                    <\/li>\n                    \t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t                                                     <li class=\"StepProgress-item \">\n                                                    <div class=\"StepProgress-item__group\">\n                                <a data-id=\"how_to_stay_safe_on_public_wi-fi\"\n                                   onclick=handleScrollToTitle(\"how_to_stay_safe_on_public_wi-fi\")\n                                   class=\"StepProgress-item__link\"\n                                   data-level=\"2\">How to Stay Safe on Public Wi-Fi<\/a>\n                                                            <\/div>\n                                                    <\/li>\n                    \t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t <span class=\"show_moretoc\">Show Full Guide<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t\t  \t\t\t\t\t                                                      <li class=\"StepProgress-item ms_hidetoc\">\n                                                    <div class=\"StepProgress-item__group\">\n                                <a data-id=\"the_bottom_line\"\n                                   onclick=handleScrollToTitle(\"the_bottom_line\")\n                                   class=\"StepProgress-item__link\"\n                                   data-level=\"2\">The Bottom Line<\/a>\n                                                            <\/div>\n                                                    <\/li>\n                    \t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t\t  \t\t\t\t\t              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pageLegend.classList.remove('overflow-auto');\n        pageLegend.style.height = 'auto';\n        window.scrollTo({\n            top: 0,\n            behavior: 'smooth'\n        });\n    }\n\n    const handleScrollToTitle = (id) => {\n        const el = document.getElementById(id);\n        const headerHeightDifference = window.innerWidth < 992 ? -30 : -15;\n        window.scrollTo({\n            top: el.offsetTop - 60 - headerHeightDifference - 10,\n        });\n    }\n<\/script>\n\n<h2><span id=\"putting_your_employer_at_risk\">Putting Your Employer at Risk<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Public Wi-Fi networks are susceptible to surveillance by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/threat-actor\">malicious actors<\/a> who could intercept sensitive documents, such as confidential contracts, invoices, and two-factor authentication codes.<\/p>\n<p>As such, your organization may also be vulnerable to public Wi-Fi risks. For example, if you&#8217;re using a company laptop, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/27435\/cybercriminal\">cybercriminals<\/a> could hack into your business email or steal sensitive corporate data, potentially resulting in financial losses or harm to your company&#8217;s reputation.<\/p>\n<p>Consequently, careless use of public Wi-Fi could jeopardize your personal finances and job security. That&#8217;s why you need to know how to use public Wi-Fi safely.<\/p>\n<p>Cybercriminals can inject <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/4015\/malicious-software-malware\">malware<\/a> into your device when you&#8217;re connected to an unsecured network. Moreover, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/10-most-common-cryptocurrency-scams\">scammers<\/a> often craft deceptive websites that appear legitimate but are designed to steal your data. That&#8217;s why you should always validate the legitimacy of the websites you visit.<\/p>\n<p>Hackers can exploit vulnerabilities in public Wi-Fi networks to hijack active sessions, thereby gaining unauthorized access to your accounts posing a significant threat to your privacy and security.<\/p>\n<p>Bad actors can disrupt your life and the business life of your employer by launching <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/4337\/ransomware\">ransomware attacks<\/a> through public Wi-Fi that can lock you out of your own data or your company&#8217;s systems until a ransom is paid.<\/p>\n<p>Although public Wi-Fi networks offer convenience, you need to be vigilant if you use them. By being cautious, you can take advantage of the benefits public Wi-Fi offers without compromising your security.<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"how_to_stay_safe_on_public_wi-fi\">How to Stay Safe on Public Wi-Fi<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Protecting your data and devices on public Wi-Fi goes beyond protecting yourself on just the Wi-Fi aspect.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Robert Siciliano, a cybersecurity expert and CEO of Protect Now<\/strong>, said:<\/p>\n<blockquote><p>&#8220;Cybersecurity is holistic in its nature, meaning the devices hardware, software, and various forms of access control all need consideration.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p>Here are 16 tips for how to stay safe on public Wi-Fi:<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/How-to-use-public-Wi-Fi-safely-271x300.jpg\" alt=\"16 Tips on How to Stay Safe on Public Wi-Fi\" width=\"1200\" height=\"1329\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-219839\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/How-to-use-public-Wi-Fi-safely-271x300.jpg 271w, https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/How-to-use-public-Wi-Fi-safely-925x1024.jpg 925w, https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/How-to-use-public-Wi-Fi-safely-768x850.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/How-to-use-public-Wi-Fi-safely-1387x1536.jpg 1387w, https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/How-to-use-public-Wi-Fi-safely-1200x1329.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/How-to-use-public-Wi-Fi-safely.jpg 1390w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/p>\n<h3>1. Ensure There&#8217;s a Padlock Next to the URL<\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/1352\/uniform-resource-locator-url\">URLs<\/a> starting with HTTPs rather than <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/2336\/hypertext-transfer-protocol-http\">HTTP<\/a> transmit information through an encrypted connection.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Adam Levin, an expert on identity theft, privacy, cybersecurity, fraud, and personal finance<\/strong>, <strong>and a <\/strong><span><strong>co-host of &#8220;What the Hack with Adam Levin&#8221; podcast<\/strong>, <\/span>told Techopedia:<\/p>\n<blockquote><p>&#8220;If the website you\u2019re using starts with HTTP or doesn\u2019t have a padlock icon next to it, any information you send can easily be intercepted in transit.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p>Siciliano agrees, saying that by default, your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/288\/web-browser\">browser<\/a> should let you know if a particular website is at risk.<\/p>\n<p>Only visit HTTPS-encrypted websites that are more secure than unencrypted sites when you&#8217;re on public Wi-Fi.<\/p>\n<h3>2. Use a VPN<\/h3>\n<p>The advent of HTTPS on the web has made using public networks less risky, but using a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/4806\/virtual-private-network-vpn\">virtual private network<\/a> (VPN), where your network traffic is routed through a remote server, makes it even less so, says Levin.<\/p>\n<p>Siciliano added:<\/p>\n<blockquote><p>&#8220;That&#8217;s because a VPN encrypts your Internet traffic, protecting it from snooping on public networks. The VPN software is free or costs a small fee, and it&#8217;s your best defense against digital Wi-Fi snooping.&#8221;<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<h3>3. Enable Two-Factor Authentication<\/h3>\n<p>According to Levin, every critical account needs additional <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/8797\/password-protection\">password protection<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;This is generally done via your mobile phone as a second form of authentication where you receive a one-time pass code via text,&#8221; he says. &#8220;This extra login step code sent to your phone for accounts that offer it prevents unauthorized access even if your password is compromised.&#8221;<\/p>\n<h3>4. Beware of Over-the-Shoulder Snoopers<\/h3>\n<p>The most secure Wi-Fi connection in the world doesn\u2019t amount to anything if someone is looking over your shoulder and able to see your every move, according to Levin.<\/p>\n<p>If you\u2019re using public Wi-Fi in a crowded cafe or lobby, try to sit against a wall to avoid snooping.<\/p>\n<h3>5. Use Your Phone as a Hotspot<\/h3>\n<p>&#8220;Most modern smartphones offer an option to allow laptops and tablets [to connect to the Internet] through their Internet connection,&#8221; Levin says. &#8220;Depending on your data plan, your connection may be slower, but it will likely be more secure.&#8221;<\/p>\n<h3>6. Keep All Software Updated<\/h3>\n<p>Be sure to install the latest operating system and software updates, which often include security patches, to protect against vulnerabilities, Siciliano says. Outdated software creates vulnerabilities that Wi-Fi hackers can seek out.<\/p>\n<h3>7. Don\u2019t Use a Personally Identifiable Device Name<\/h3>\n<p>If your laptop is connected to a public network and is called \u201cBob Smith\u2019s MacBook Pro,\u201d anyone who is on the same Wi-Fi will know your name and the type of computer you\u2019re using, according to Levin. He says:<\/p>\n<blockquote><p>&#8220;And any publicly displayed information can give a hacker an initial foot in the door to your device and your identity.&#8221;<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<h3>8. Confirm the Name of the Network<\/h3>\n<p>\u201cPicture this: You\u2019re visiting New York City and find a cafe called Central Perk,\u201d Levin says.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;When you log on to your laptop to check your email, you connect to a network called &#8216;Central Perk Wi-Fi.&#8217; The catch? The cafe doesn\u2019t have public Wi-Fi, and you\u2019ve just sent sensitive data through an unknown third party.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>So be sure to ask an employee if they have a Wi-Fi network or if the connection information is posted publicly, Levin says. Also, be sure you are connecting to that network and not one with a similar name, which might have been set up by a nearby hacker.<\/p>\n<p>Siciliano concurs that you need to confirm the name of the network with staff at the municipality, airport, caf\u00e9, or wherever, or look for posted signs about the Wi-Fi before connecting. He added:<\/p>\n<blockquote><p>&#8220;Wi-Fi hackers can create fake hotspots often known as &#8216;evil twins&#8217; with similar names to trick Wi-Fi users.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<h3>9. Avoid Auto-Connecting<\/h3>\n<p>In your device&#8217;s Wi-Fi settings, you should be able to toggle off various known Wi-Fi <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/2948\/hotspot\">hotspots<\/a>, Siciliano says.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Disabling the automatic Wi-Fi connection on your device prevents it from joining rogue hotspots that may be set up as evil twins,&#8221; he adds.<\/p>\n<h3>10. Don\u2019t Leave Your Device Unattended<\/h3>\n<p>Leaving a laptop or other device unattended for even a short period of time makes it, as well as any data on it, up for grabs, according to Levin.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;In the best case (but bad) scenario, someone can steal it,&#8221; he says. &#8220;In the worst case (but really bad) scenario, they can access sensitive stored data, such as your passwords, financial information, or photos.&#8221;<\/p>\n<h3>11. Turn off File Sharing<\/h3>\n<p>Levin says it\u2019s convenient to share data between devices on a secured home or work network.<\/p>\n<p>If you\u2019re on a public network, anyone else can access your files. So disable any kind of file or data sharing on your device before you send or receive any information.<\/p>\n<h3>12. Use Antivirus Software<\/h3>\n<p><strong>&#8220;<\/strong>Paid antivirus software comes with antivirus, anti-spyware, anti-phishing, and a firewall,&#8221; Siciliano says. &#8220;Antivirus programs are designed to detect and block malicious software that spies on you and can infect your device on unsecured public Wi-Fi networks.&#8221;<\/p>\n<h3>13. Enable a Firewall<\/h3>\n<p>By default, your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/5355\/firewall\">firewall<\/a> should be turned on. Siciliano says:<\/p>\n<blockquote><p>&#8220;Keep your device&#8217;s firewall enabled to block unauthorized access while on public networks. The device&#8217;s operating system should come equipped with a built-in firewall. [If not], do a search engine query for the name of the operating system and search the word &#8216;firewall&#8217; for instructions on how to enable it.&#8221;<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<h3>14. Don\u2019t Access Sensitive Information<\/h3>\n<p>Public Wi-Fi networks can be handy if you need to look up directions, double-check a reservation or flight information, or browse shopping sites, Levin says. However, it can be a serious liability if you use it to access financial accounts or transmit sensitive information.<\/p>\n<p>Siciliano agrees that you should avoid logging into sensitive accounts, such as online banking, or entering passwords on public Wi-Fi, as hackers can intercept your data. Save the critical and sensitive data processing for at home or at work on a secure Wi-Fi connection.<\/p>\n<h3>15. Log Out After Use<\/h3>\n<p>&#8220;When you&#8217;re finished on critical websites, log out of those websites, shut down tabs or even your whole browser, and disconnect from the Wi-Fi network to minimize exposure,&#8221; Siciliano says.<\/p>\n<h3>16. Don\u2019t Use Public Wi-FI at All<\/h3>\n<p>Levin says that even if you access the Internet from a perfectly secured device through a Fort Knox-level network connection, there are still unavoidable risks.<\/p>\n<p>Using public Wi-Fi leaves you vulnerable to multiple risks, so it&#8217;s better not to even use public Wi-Fi if you can.<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"the_bottom_line\">The Bottom Line<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Although using public Wi-Fi is convenient, it&#8217;s crucial that you exercise caution when doing so to avoid the risks of using unsecured networks, which hackers can exploit to steal your sensitive data.<\/p>\n<p>Always follow the key expert tips to stay safe and protect your personal and corporate data.<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"faqs\">FAQs<\/span><\/h2>\n<div class=\"man_faq_sec\" itemscope itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/FAQPage\"><\/time><section class=\"ms_faq ms_card \" ><div itemscope itemprop=\"mainEntity\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Question\"><div class=\"accordionButton\"><h3 itemprop=\"name\">What is a safe way to use public Wi-Fi?<\/h3> <\/div>\n<div class=\"accordionContent\" itemscope itemprop=\"acceptedAnswer\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer\" style=\"display:none;\"><p itemprop=\"text\">While there is no foolproof way to use public Wi-Fi, there are some precautions you can take to safeguard your privacy and data. These include using a VPN, enabling two-factor authentication, enabling a firewall, and ensuring you update your software.<\/p>\r\n                <\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<section class=\"ms_faq ms_card \" ><div itemscope itemprop=\"mainEntity\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Question\"><div class=\"accordionButton\"><h3 itemprop=\"name\">Why is it recommended that you avoid doing online banking on public Wi-Fi?<\/h3> <\/div>\n<div class=\"accordionContent\" itemscope itemprop=\"acceptedAnswer\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer\" style=\"display:none;\"><p itemprop=\"text\">Using public Wi-Fi for online banking poses significant security risks because of the lack of encryption and the potential that malicious actors can intercept your sensitive information. Since public Wi-Fi networks are often unsecured, hackers can easily intercept any data transmitted over these networks using tools that are readily available.<\/p>\r\n                <\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<section class=\"ms_faq ms_card \" ><div itemscope itemprop=\"mainEntity\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Question\"><div class=\"accordionButton\"><h3 itemprop=\"name\">Why is it not safe to connect to public Wi-Fi networks?<\/h3> <\/div>\n<div class=\"accordionContent\" itemscope itemprop=\"acceptedAnswer\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer\" style=\"display:none;\"><p itemprop=\"text\">Since public Wi-Fi networks are often unsecured, they&#8217;re vulnerable to cybercriminals who can intercept data transmitted over the network, including sensitive information, such as financial information, personal details, and passwords. Without proper encryption and security measures, connecting to public Wi-Fi puts you at risk of data theft and privacy breaches.<\/p>\r\n                <\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<section class=\"ms_faq ms_card \" ><div itemscope itemprop=\"mainEntity\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Question\"><div class=\"accordionButton\"><h3 itemprop=\"name\">What security risk does a public Wi-Fi connection pose?<\/h3> <\/div>\n<div class=\"accordionContent\" itemscope itemprop=\"acceptedAnswer\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer\" style=\"display:none;\"><p itemprop=\"text\">A public Wi-Fi connection poses the risk that malicious actors can intercept your sensitive data as the network traffic is typically unencrypted and accessible to anyone within range. The hackers can then have unauthorized access to your financial data, personal information, and login credentials.<\/p>\r\n                <\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Using public Wi-Fi networks can be extremely convenient because they allow you to stay connected while you&#8217;re on the go. However, it&#8217;s vital to exercise caution when you log into public Wi-Fi networks because of the various security vulnerabilities associated with these networks. Connecting to a public Wi-Fi network means data travels from your device [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7924,"featured_media":219853,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[545,548],"tags":[],"category_partsoff":[],"class_list":["post-49190","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-cloud-computing","category-cybersecurity"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v24.2 (Yoast SEO v24.5) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>16 Tips for Using Public Wi-Fi Safely | Protect Your Data in 2025 Techopedia<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Explore expert advice on securely using public Wi-Fi. 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