Free Wi-Fi in cafes, airports, hotels, and shopping centers can become dangerous if personal, banking, or work data is transmitted through such a network. The user is unaware of the infrastructure through which their data passes and how many other people are connected to the same access point, said Full Stack engineer and corporate IT systems specialist Denis Sinyukov.
The expert explained that an open network is like a conversation in a crowded room: information can be overheard by outsiders. If an attacker connects to the same network, they can technically intercept data transmitted in plain text. It is especially dangerous to enter passwords, banking details, passport information, and work with corporate documents via public Wi-Fi. The risk increases if the device's system and applications have not been updated for a long time.
Danger can arise even when simply browsing websites. Many applications run in the background: email checks for new messages, social networks refresh sessions, and services transmit digital authorization keys. If scammers get such a key, they can access an account without entering a password. Therefore, even browsing news through an unknown network connection is not always safe.
One common scheme is to create fake Wi-Fi networks with names similar to real ones. For example, scammers can create a network with almost the same name as a cafe or hotel. If automatic connection is enabled on a phone or laptop, the device may connect to such a point without warning. After that, all internet traffic can pass through the attacker's equipment.
Denis Sinyukov recommended not entering passwords, not making purchases, and not opening work email through questionable public Wi-Fi. The expert also advises using mobile internet whenever possible, checking for HTTPS and the lock icon in the address bar, and regularly updating the system and applications.