Public WiFi Dangers and How Can You Protect Yourself

Douglas Mabiria  - Expert Tech Reporter
Last updated: January 7, 2024
Read time: 17 minutes
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You expose yourself to multiple severe security threats when on public WiFi. This guide uncovers public WiFi dangers you must know and how you can protect yourself.

THE TAKEAWAYS

Most public places like airports, libraries, coffee shops, etc., provide free WiFi hotspots to let the users stay connected with the online world without needing log-in credentials. Unfortunately, although it’s a great initiative, public hotspots are on the hitlist of cybercriminals. Hackers can readily intercept your online traffic, infect your device with malware, and access your personal information. Therefore, it is inevitable to protect your device before connecting with public WiFi. This guide includes some workarounds to minimize public WiFi dangers.

Public WiFi is undoubtedly what the current generation of internet users needs. That means WiFi is a necessity today. But you must also understand the dangers associated with these public Wi Fi networks.

They’ve made life a little easier, but you must know that once you connect to public WiFi, your personal information and your device are at risk.

There’s no denying that the urge to connect to a free internet down the street and surf the web while taking your cup of coffee is compelling. But unfortunately, the risks associated with public WiFi indeed outweigh the benefits.

Quick public WiFi protection guide

If you want to stay away from the dangers of public WiFi, you should ensure that you practice the following:

  1. Whenever on public WiFi, use a VPN app. (We always recommend NordVPN as the ideal VPN).
  2. Ensure that you confirm its real name before you connect to a WiFi hotspot to avoid connection to other similarly-named networks that could be a trap.
  3. You must ensure that your device’s firewall is turned on. It helps to keep off hackers from accessing vulnerable ports. If you do not use a VPN, activating your firewall is necessary and not optional.