Patna: Free public Wi-Fi is now available almost everywhere in India, including airports, railway stations, cafés, and shopping malls. Many people use it daily because it is free and easy to connect. With increasing use of online banking and digital payments, people often stay connected even while travelling. However, cyber experts say this convenience can come with serious hidden dangers that many users do not notice.
When you connect to public Wi-Fi, you are sharing the same network with many other people. In most cases, these networks are not properly secured. This means someone with the right tools can watch what you are doing online. Hackers can see which websites you visit and, in some cases, even capture the information you type.
One common method used by hackers is called a “Man-in-the-Middle” attack. In simple terms, this means the hacker secretly sits between you and the website you are using. Because of this, they can steal sensitive information like passwords, OTPs, email details, and even bank login information. Another danger is fake Wi-Fi networks. These look like real public Wi-Fi names, but they are created by hackers to trap users who connect without checking.
Cybersecurity experts advise people to be careful while using free Wi-Fi. It is better to avoid banking apps, online payments, or entering personal details when connected to public networks. Always check if a website starts with “HTTPS”, as this shows the connection is more secure. Turning off auto-connect on your phone is also important so that it does not join unknown networks on its own.
Experts also recommend using a VPN, which helps protect your internet activity by making it harder for hackers to see your data. Another useful step is enabling Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) on important accounts. This adds an extra layer of security, so even if someone gets your password, they cannot easily access your account. As more people depend on digital services, staying alert and careful online has become very important for safety.
