How Dangerous is Public Wi-Fi?
Public Wi-Fi might be convenient, but it's a hackerβs playground. Cybercriminals use free networks to steal passwords, intercept messages, and even install malware on your device.
- π **Evil Twin Attack** β You think you're connecting to "CoffeeShop_WiFi," but it's a fake hotspot set up by a hacker to steal your data.
- β οΈ **Man-in-the-Middle Attack** β A hacker intercepts your connection and can see everything you send and receive, including passwords.
- π‘ **Packet Sniffing** β Attackers scan unsecured networks to collect private information from anyone connected.
- π **Session Hijacking** β Ever been automatically logged into a website? Hackers can steal your session and access your accounts.
How Dangerous is Public Wi-Fi?
Public Wi-Fi might be convenient, but it's a hackerβs playground. Cybercriminals use free networks to steal passwords, intercept messages, and even install malware on your device.
- π **Evil Twin Attack** β You think you're connecting to "CoffeeShop_WiFi," but it's a fake hotspot set up by a hacker to steal your data.
- β οΈ **Man-in-the-Middle Attack** β A hacker intercepts your connection and can see everything you send and receive, including passwords.
- π‘ **Packet Sniffing** β Attackers scan unsecured networks to collect private information from anyone connected.
- π **Session Hijacking** β Ever been automatically logged into a website? Hackers can steal your session and access your accounts.
Can You Stay Safe on Public Wi-Fi?
Think you know how to protect yourself? Try the simulation below!
In this interactive scenario, youβll be at a coffee shop choosing a Wi-Fi network. Your goal? **Avoid getting hacked.**
β οΈ Choose wisely! Some networks are safe, while others might compromise your data.
How to Stay Safe on Public Wi-Fi
- π‘οΈ **Use a VPN** β A Virtual Private Network encrypts your internet traffic, making it unreadable to hackers.
- π **Disable Auto-Connect** β Prevent your device from connecting to unknown networks automatically.
- πΆ **Verify the Network Name** β Always ask an employee before connecting to a public Wi-Fi network.
- π΅ **Avoid Accessing Sensitive Accounts** β Never log into banking, email, or work accounts on public Wi-Fi.
- π **Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)** β Adds an extra layer of protection even if your password is stolen.