What Are the Risks of Public Wi-Fi? A Woman’s Guide to Staying Safe Online

Powered by AI and the women in tech community.

Public Wi-Fi poses many risks including data theft, malware distribution, and privacy breaches. Risks range from MITM attacks, session hijacking, to rogue networks and phishing. Protect yourself by avoiding sensitive transactions, using anti-malware tools, employing VPNs, verifying network legitimacy, logging out post-use, and scrutinizing permissions and URLs before access.

Public Wi-Fi poses many risks including data theft, malware distribution, and privacy breaches. Risks range from MITM attacks, session hijacking, to rogue networks and phishing. Protect yourself by avoiding sensitive transactions, using anti-malware tools, employing VPNs, verifying network legitimacy, logging out post-use, and scrutinizing permissions and URLs before access.

Contribute to three or more articles across any domain to qualify for the Contributor badge. Please check back tomorrow for updates on your progress.

Contribute to three or more articles across any domain to qualify for the Contributor badge. Please check back tomorrow for updates on your progress.

Risk of Personal Data Theft

When you connect to a public Wi-Fi network, there’s a chance that cybercriminals could access and steal your personal information. This includes passwords, financial data, and other sensitive details that you might enter while using the network. To combat this, avoid accessing sensitive accounts or performing banking transactions on public Wi-Fi.

Add your perspective

Exposure to Malware

Public Wi-Fi networks are breeding grounds for malware distribution. Hackers can easily insert malware into your device without your knowledge, leading to potential data loss or damage. Ensure your device's anti-malware and antivirus software is up to date and active to provide a layer of protection.

Add your perspective

Man-in-the-Middle Attacks

One of the most common risks associated with public Wi-Fi is the man-in-the-middle (MITM) attack, where an attacker intercepts communications between your device and the Wi-Fi connection. This can compromise any data transmitted during the session. To safeguard against this, use a virtual private network (VPN) which encrypts your data, making it difficult for attackers to intercept.

Add your perspective

Unencrypted Networks

Many public Wi-Fi networks are not encrypted, meaning the data you send or receive is not secured and can be easily intercepted by cybercriminals. Always check for a secure connection (indicated by HTTPS in the URL) before submitting any sensitive information online.

Add your perspective

Rogue Wi-Fi Networks

Hackers often set up fake Wi-Fi hotspots that appear legitimate but are actually designed to steal information from unsuspecting users. Always verify the network name with the establishment offering the Wi-Fi and look for any signs of suspicious activity.

Add your perspective

Privacy Breaches

Using public Wi-Fi can expose your browsing habits and personal interests to third parties. This information can be used to build a profile on you for targeted advertising or more malicious purposes. Consider using privacy-focused browsers and extensions that block tracking.

Add your perspective

Session Hijacking

Session hijacking is when a hacker takes over your online session by stealing the browser cookies on your device. This can give them access to your accounts as if they were you. To minimise this risk, log out from websites after you're done, especially on social media, email, and online banking sites.

Add your perspective

Wi-Fi Sniffing

Wi-Fi sniffing involves the use of special software to eavesdrop on Wi-Fi signals. This allows hackers to monitor your online activities and capture any unencrypted data sent over the network. Avoid sending sensitive information when connected to public Wi-Fi, or use a VPN to encrypt your data.

Add your perspective

Phishing Attacks

Cybercriminals use public Wi-Fi networks to carry out phishing attacks by directing users to fake websites that mimic legitimate ones. Once there, you might be tricked into entering personal information. Always double-check URLs and website authenticity before entering any details.

Add your perspective

Overextended Permissions

Some public Wi-Fi networks require you to install an app or grant certain permissions to your device, such as location tracking or access to your personal data. Be wary of networks that request excessive permissions as this could be a ploy to gather your personal information for nefarious purposes. Always read through permissions carefully and only grant what is absolutely necessary.

Add your perspective

What else to take into account

This section is for sharing any additional examples, stories, or insights that do not fit into previous sections. Is there anything else you'd like to add?

Add your perspective

Online Safety for Women

Want to contribute ? We select experts based on their experience and skills.

Learn more about becoming a contributor.

Rate this article

More articles on Online Safety for Women

See all

More relevant reading

Networking for Women in Cybersecurity
How Can Women in Cybersecurity Build Stronger Networks?
Cybersecurity Career Paths for Women
What Skills Do Women Need to Succeed in Cybersecurity?
Advocacy for Women in Cybersecurity
Is the Cybersecurity Industry Ready for Gender Parity? What Needs to Change?
Cybersecurity Leadership for Women
Can Breaking the Glass Ceiling in Cybersecurity Boost Innovation and Security?