Public Wi-Fi networks are a goldmine for hackers, offering countless ways to steal your data.

Public Wi-Fi Risks and Safety

Public Wi-Fi is convenient but risky.

Weve all connected to public networks at coffee shops, airports, or hotels without thinking twice.

Library with DVDs interior.

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But beneath the convenience lies a playground for hackers.

Common Public Wi-Fi Attacks

Hackers love public Wi-Fi like kids love candy; its easy pickings.

Here are the attacks theyre using to prey on users.

Thats pretty much a MITM attack.

Hackers sneak in between you and the website youre visiting, allowing them to steal or manipulate data.

On unsecured public Wi-Fi, this attack is still a hackers favorite.

Hackers set up fake hotspots that look just like the real thing.

You connect, and boom, all your data is out in the open.

Shockingly, 47% of people admit to connecting to public networks without verifying their legitimacy.

They capture and analyze the data packets sent over the online grid.

Session Hijacking

Hackers dont need your passwords if they can stealsession cookies.

With it, they can pretend to be you and access your accounts.

It encrypts your traffic, making it nearly impossible for hackers to intercept anything useful.

It’s not just random letters but a secure, encrypted connection.

Always manually verify public Wi-Fi before connecting.

Save sensitive transactions for a secure, trusted web link.

This shuts down the backdoors they might slip through.

Ensure your antivirus always scans and updates to the latest virus definitions to protect your gear from potential threats.

Where Do People Feel Safe Connecting?

Not all public Wi-Fi is viewed equally.

Staying Safe Online

Public Wi-Fi is everywhere, but so are the risks.

One in four people regularly using public Wi-Fi has experienced a security issue while connected.

Stay informed, stay cautious, and browse confidently no matter where you are.