Is It Safe to Use Public Wi-Fi?

Public Wi-Fi is everywhere—coffee shops, airports, hotels—but is it really safe to use? The answer is… sometimes. Here’s what you need to know.

⚠️ The Risks

• Snooping: Hackers on the same network can intercept your traffic and capture logins, emails, or personal info.

• Fake Hotspots: Some attackers create fake networks (“Free Starbucks WiFi”) to trick you into connecting.

• Malware: Outdated devices or browsers can be exposed to malware via insecure connections.

🔒 How to Stay Safe

• Use a VPN: A Virtual Private Network encrypts your connection, making it unreadable to others on the network.

• Stick to HTTPS: Only visit sites with the padlock icon. Avoid entering personal data on non-secure sites.

• Turn Off Sharing: On Windows, set the network to “Public” and disable file/printer sharing.

• Avoid Auto-Connect: Turn off automatic connections to open Wi-Fi networks on your device.

• Use Your Mobile Hotspot: When in doubt, tether to your phone—it’s safer.

✅ So… Is It Safe?

It can be safe, if you take precautions. Think of public Wi-Fi like using a shared notepad: fine for casual use, but risky for personal info.

Not sure if your laptop is secure? Book a quick security check and we’ll lock it down for travel or remote work.