Key Takeaways

  • Public Wi-Fi networks are often unencrypted ("Open").
  • Hackers can intercept your data using Man-in-the-Middle attacks.
  • Fake hotspots ("Evil Twins") trick you into connecting to a hacker's device.
  • Always use a VPN on public networks to encrypt your traffic.

You are at a cafe. "Free_Coffee_Wifi" appears. You connect. A hacker in the corner smiles. Here's why.

The Man-in-the-Middle (MITM)

Public networks are often "open" (no encryption password). This allows anyone on the same network to intercept traffic broadcasting through the air.

In a MITM attack, the hacker sits functionally between you and the router. When you send your password or credit card to a site, it passes through the hacker's computer first. If the site isn't using HTTPS (which is rare now, but possible), they see everything in plain text.

The Evil Twin

Hackers can set up their own hotspot named "Starbucks_Free_Wifi" just a few feet away from the real one. If you connect to it by mistake, you are handing all your data directly to them. This is called an Evil Twin attack.

How to stay safe?

1. Avoid banking on public Wi-Fi.
2. Use a VPN. It creates an encrypted tunnel, so even if a hacker intercepts your data, it looks like gibberish.
3. Use your phone's 4G/5G data instead of Wi-Fi whenever possible.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is hotel Wi-Fi safe?
Not necessarily. Even though it has a password, hundreds of strangers share that password. A hacker in the next room is on the same network and can try to attack your device.
Does HTTPS protect me?
Yes, mostly. HTTPS encrypts the content of your browsing, but hackers can still see which websites you are visiting (via DNS requests) unless you use a VPN or secure DNS.

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