Dan Does Cyber

What You Need to Know Before You Connect

We’ve all done it—connected to the free Wi-Fi at a cafe, airport, or hotel without a second thought. But have you ever wondered just how safe that connection really is?

Here’s the truth: public Wi-Fi can be a hacker’s playground. And if you’re not careful, your private information is exposed in seconds. Let’s break down what the risks are—and more importantly—what you can do to protect yourself.

What Makes Public Wi-Fi Risky?

1. Unencrypted Connections
   Many public networks don’t encrypt your traffic. That means anyone with basic tools can see what sites you’re visiting or even capture your login details.
2. Man-in-the-Middle (MITM) Attacks
   Hackers can intercept your data while it travels between your device and the internet. Think of it like someone secretly reading your mail before it reaches its destination.
3. Fake Hotspots
   Sometimes attackers set up networks with names like “FreeAirportWiFi” to trick you. Once connected, they can watch everything you do.
4. Device Vulnerabilities
   Connecting to an open network can expose your device to malware. It can also expose it to spyware and rogue software. These are designed to steal your data.

So, Is It Ever Safe to Use Public Wi-Fi?

Yes—but only if you’re smart about it. Here’s what you need to do:

1. Use a VPN (Virtual Private Network)
   A VPN encrypts your data—even on a risky network. If you’re going to use public Wi-Fi, a VPN is your best friend. (See our top VPN recommendations: https://dandoescyber.co.uk/2025/06/21/the-5-best-vpns-uk-2025-tested-trusted/).
2. Avoid Logging Into Sensitive Accounts
   Do not check your bank account or enter passwords on public Wi-Fi. Only do so if you’re protected by a VPN.
3. Turn Off Sharing
   Turn off file and printer sharing, AirDrop, and any automatic sync features while connected to public Wi-Fi.
4. Use HTTPS Websites Only
   Check that the websites you visit use “https://” — that “S” stands for “Secure”.
5. Forget the Network After Use
   Always make your device “forget” the network once you’re done. This prevents auto-connecting in the future.
6. Keep Software Up to Date
   Make sure your phone or laptop has the latest security patches to fix known vulnerabilities.
7. Use Mobile Data When in Doubt
   Sometimes your phone’s data plan is safer than a dodgy Wi-Fi network. Don’t risk it if the network looks suspicious.

Bottom Line: Public Wi-Fi Isn’t Always Safe — But You Can Be

You don’t have to stop using public Wi-Fi altogether, but you do need to treat it with caution. Think before you click, and never assume a free connection is a safe one.

When you’re at a cafe, sipping a latte and checking emails, remember you’re sharing the network. Everyone else there is using it too. This includes potential hackers.

Got questions or your own public Wi-Fi horror story? Drop it in the comments. And if you found this helpful, subscribe for more tips to stay secure online.