Connecting to Wi-Fi in public places has long become a common practice. This happens in cafes, hotels, shopping centers, airports. Although access to the network has become ubiquitous and convenient, it can pose a risk to personal information and finances.
Public Wi-Fi networks are usually either weakly protected or not encrypted at all. This creates suitable conditions for scammers to inconspicuously connect to the same network and obtain personal and confidential information. The main goal of such attacks is to gain access to payment information: passwords, card numbers, and other details.
Public Wi-Fi: How Data Theft Happens
There are many schemes used by attackers at open access points. However, one of the most common is the “man-in-the-middle” (MITM) attack. Using this cyberattack, a scammer can inconspicuously insert themselves between users and the internet connection. This way, the attacker intercepts all the transmitted information and can even alter it.
One popular trick of scammers is creating a fake network with a "trustworthy" name. Usually, the names of such access points are made to resemble real ones, for example: “Free”, “Cafe”, “Airport”. By connecting to such a network, the user unknowingly falls under the control of the scammer. The result is evident — theft of bank card data, contact information, accounts, and even digital signatures.
These networks rarely use modern protection methods, and users often visit unencrypted sites (without HTTPS). Such factors significantly simplify the activities of attackers. Even a simple login to internet banking can result in the leakage of money and personal information.
Using these methods, scammers can also redirect users to fake sites where they unknowingly leave their personal information, which immediately falls into the hands of the attacker. It's also very easy to infect a device with malware on such sites. For example, viruses that will collect all the information while the user is online.
How to Avoid Personal Data Theft
Despite the spread of fraud through public access points, finances can still be protected. To do this, it is enough to follow a number of basic rules. But it is important to remember that even brief use of an open access point can be very costly.
Before connecting to free internet, make sure it is an official network. Connecting to a wireless network without a password or with a suspicious name cannot guarantee a secure internet connection. For particularly important financial operations (logging into online banking, making payments), it is recommended to use mobile internet. There are also key actions that can help improve the level of protection:
Use a VPN when connecting.
- Disable the automatic internet connection feature on the device.
- Do not enter bank card details, logins, and passwords when using an open network.
- Ensure the presence of HTTPS protection before logging into a site.
- Regularly update antivirus programs and software.
But even these actions cannot fully guarantee internet safety. Cybercriminals are constantly improving attack methods and adapting to new conditions. Only the user's attentiveness and understanding can ensure the security of their own data.
Consequences of Negligent Use of Open Access Points
Neglecting online safety can lead not only to the leakage of personal information but also to serious financial losses. By gaining access to a bank card, scammers are capable of more than just spending money. The worst-case scenario is taking out loans in the owner’s name.
Often, the victim does not even know that they have become a scammer’s target and learns about it only after several hours or even days. During this time, all funds from the bank card can be stolen. Users without two-factor protection are most vulnerable to such thefts. In this case, it is enough for the attacker to know only the card number and CVV code. And when using a public Wi-Fi network, for an experienced scammer, this is not difficult.
Alternative to Public Wi-Fi Access Points
When using free public internet, it is not recommended to visit suspicious sites, make online purchases, or log into social media profiles by entering a password. When it is necessary to perform an important financial operation or transmit personal information online, it is better to use more reliable and secure connection methods. For example, connecting to a network through a mobile operator minimizes the risk of information interception by attackers.
You can use a personal mobile router with a built-in SIM card. If these options do not work, use the mobile hotspot feature from a phone to any other device that supports Wi-Fi (laptop, tablet). This will help you stay confidently and safely connected anywhere.