Cybersecurity Threats Rise as Public Wi-Fi Usage Surges

Public Wi-Fi is a convenience we all rely on – whether you’re scrolling through social media at your favourite local café, checking emails in a hotel lobby, or streaming in an airport lounge, but while its highly convenient and may seem harmless, connecting to these open networks without precautions can leave your personal information dangerously exposed to cybercriminals.

Understanding the risks involved and knowing how to protect yourself is key to staying safe on the go.

Common Risks of Public Wi-Fi

Public Wi-Fi networks may look harmless, but they are often unsecured, meaning the data you send and receive whilst connected isn’t encrypted. This creates the perfect opportunity for cybercriminals to view your activity, access sensitive information, or even install malware on your device without you even knowing.

Unsecured networks can leave your data vulnerable to several threats, including:

• Fake hotspots – hackers can sometimes set up Wi-Fi networks with similar names to the legitimate ones, tricking users into connecting and unknowingly giving over personal information.
• Man-in-the-middle (MITM) attacks – cybercriminals and hackers can position themselves between you and the website you’re visiting, silently intercepting the data you exchange online.
• Malware injections – simply browsing on an unsecured network can lead malicious software being installed unknowingly on your device.
• Data interception – connecting to an open network makes it easier for attackers to capture things like passwords or credit card information.

These dangers are more common than many realise. According to Maddyness, public Wi-Fi continues to be a key target for cybercriminals due to its inherent lack of security.

How Hackers Exploit Unsecured Networks

Hackers don’t need to be tech geniuses or even in the same room to exploit public Wi-Fi.  They often use tools and software that help them eavesdrop on data, access unsecured devices, or monitor online activity, enabling them to spy on user activity in real time.

According to recent findings, open networks provide minimal resistance to these methods, making them one of the easiest targets in cybercrime.

Best Practices for Staying Safe on Public Wi-Fi

While public Wi-Fi can never be completely risk-free, there a few steps you can take to stay protected:

• Avoid logging into sensitive accounts on public networks, such as online banking or work emails.
• Stick to using websites with HTTPS encryption for safer browsing.
• Turn off automatic connections to public networks to prevent accidental logins.
• Keep all your apps and software updated regularly, including your browser and antivirus software.
• Enable two-factor authentication wherever possible for an extra layer of security.
• Log out of all your personal accounts when you’re finished using them.

The Role of VPNs in Protecting Your Data

One of the most effective and reliable ways to protect your data on public Wi-Fi is by using a VPN (Virtual Private Network). A VPN service encrypts all the data you send and receive, making it unreadable to hackers even on unsecured public networks. This is crucial if you regularly work remotely, travel, or simply enjoy browsing the internet in public spaces.

Using an online VPN like Proton VPN adds an essential layer of privacy and security. It hides your IP address so that you can browse anonymously, prevents location tracking, and ensures your data is encrypted – no matter where you’re connecting from.