How to Stay Safe on Public Wi-Fi: Myths, Real Risks, and Smart Habits

Many people view public Wi-Fi as an open invitation for hackers to steal their personal data, but this perception isn’t entirely accurate. While using Wi-Fi in public places such as cafés, airports, or hotels does come with certain cybersecurity risks, the actual danger lies not in the connection itself but in how people use it.

Modern websites and apps typically use encryption protocols like HTTPS, which secure most of your sensitive information, including passwords and messages, making casual data theft far less likely than commonly believed.

However, even with HTTPS in place, not all your online activity is invisible. Some data, like the websites you visit, may still be visible through DNS queries. 

Additionally, not every service online uses robust encryption, leaving some room for exposure. These vulnerabilities aren’t as dramatic as horror stories suggest, but they do exist. The greater risk occurs when users unknowingly connect to rogue networks. Cybercriminals often set up fake Wi-Fi hotspots with names that closely mimic those of legitimate businesses, such as a café or airport. Once someone connects to these impostor networks, attackers can monitor traffic, inject malicious content, or trick users into providing login details through fake portals. 

This tactic is especially effective in busy locations where users are in a rush to get online. A study from Statista revealed that about 40% of public Wi-Fi users have faced

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