Is public WiFi safe to use?

Convenient but shared

Free WiFi is everywhere: cafes, hotels, airports, shopping malls and co working spaces. It is incredibly useful, especially when mobile data is slow or expensive. But when you join a public network, you are sharing it with strangers and you have no idea how well it is managed.

Public WiFi is much safer than it was ten years ago, mainly because most websites now use HTTPS. Still, a few real risks remain and simple habits can protect you from almost all of them.

The main risks

Understanding what can go wrong makes it easier to stay safe.

• Evil twin hotspots: attackers create a fake network with a believable name like Free Airport WiFi. Everything you do passes through their device.
• Snooping: on open networks without a password, other users may be able to see unencrypted traffic.
• Fake login pages: a hotspot's sign in page can be used to collect email addresses, passwords or card details.
• Device exposure: if file sharing is turned on, other people on the network may be able to see your shared folders.

Check the network name

Before connecting, ask a staff member for the exact network name. Attackers rely on people choosing whichever network looks right. If you see two similar names, be cautious.

Turn off automatic connection to open networks on your phone and laptop. Otherwise your device may join a fake hotspot with a familiar name without asking you.

Only use HTTPS websites

Look for the padlock in the address bar before entering any information. HTTPS encrypts the data between your browser and the website, so even someone watching the network cannot read it. If a website shows a certificate warning while you are on public WiFi, do not continue. That can be a sign someone is intercepting your connection.

Use a VPN for extra protection

A virtual private network creates an encrypted tunnel from your device to a trusted server. Everything you do online travels through that tunnel, hiding it from anyone else on the local network.

Choose a reputable paid VPN or one provided by your company. Be careful with free VPN apps, as some make money by collecting and selling your data, which defeats the purpose.

Simple habits for staying safe

A few small settings make a big difference whenever you are away from home or the office.

• Use your phone's personal hotspot for banking and other sensitive tasks.
• Turn off file sharing and set the network as public on your laptop.
• Keep your operating system and browser updated.
• Enable two factor authentication on important accounts.
• Forget the network on your device when you leave.