Restaurants, hotels, train stations, airports: most public places offer free Internet access via your smartphone or PC. Since you rarely need a password or authentication to log on, anyone has access virtually anonymously. This makes it an ideal playground for cybercriminals, who multiply online scams to steal your data or even empty your bank account. 

Here are the most common scams: 

• Fake Wi-Fi networks: these are networks created by hackers who use the name of the venue where the signal is received to access your device and your data. 
• Man In The Middle attacks: a cybercriminal stands between your device and the Wi-Fi access point in order to intercept your data and passwords, etc. 
• Unencrypted networks: many public Wi-Fi networks are not encrypted, which means that your data is transmitted as clear text. A hacker on the same network can easily get hold of it using simple software.
• Malicious software (malware): installed on your device without your knowledge is software that allows cybercriminals to steal your data, view your online activities and even take control of your device. 
• Ransomware: cybercriminals block functions on your computer, such as the keyboard or mouse, or encrypt important files and then demand money in order for you to regain control of the computer. 

Our security tips

Here are a few tips to reduce the security risks associated with using public Wi-Fi:

• Use 4G rather than public networks.
• Avoid using public Wi-Fi networks for sensitive or professional transactions, such as connecting to bank accounts and keying in credit card numbers.
• Use a VPN - Virtual Private Network - to encrypt your Internet traffic.
• Update your security software regularly.
• Be careful about the websites you visit and the links you click on.
• Log out of your account after use to prevent anyone else from accessing it.