Avoid being hacked: 5 key rules for using public Wi-Fi safely

Martina was traveling alone through Europe. Upon arriving at Prague airport, with no mobile data and a 20% battery life, she saw an open network named "Free_Airport_WiFi." She connected without hesitation. Within 24 hours, her bank detected suspicious activity: someone had accessed her account and made purchases from another city. What seemed like a simple free connection cost her hundreds of euros and weeks of paperwork.

What did she do wrong? She didn't confirm whether the network was official, nor did she use basic protection tools. Like Martina, millions of people make this mistake every day.

When you connect to a free Wi-Fi network—like those in coffee shops, airports, or shopping malls—you're sharing the communication channel with strangers. Cybercriminals exploit these networks to intercept data , create fake access points, and steal personal information.

One of the most common techniques is "man-in-the-middle," where an attacker positions himself between your device and the network, spying on everything you do: passwords, emails, banking information. If the network isn't encrypted, your data is completely exposed.

1. Confirm the exact network name

Always ask the staff for the official name of the Wi-Fi network. Hackers often create networks with similar names to deceive you.

2. Avoid entering sensitive data

Don't access your online banking, make purchases, or enter important passwords. Use Wi-Fi only for basic browsing.

3. Browse only HTTPS sites

Sites with "https" and a padlock in the URL encrypt information. Avoid those that begin with "http" without an "s."

4. Keep your system updated

Updates fix vulnerabilities. Make sure both your operating system and your apps are up to date.

5. Activate an antivirus and consider a VPN

An antivirus protects you from malware, and a VPN encrypts your entire connection , even on unsecured networks. It's an extra barrier against cybercriminals.

• Turn off Bluetooth and file sharing .
• Enable your device's firewall .
• Don't allow public WiFi to be saved as automatic.
• Use two-step authentication on your most important accounts.

Yes : To check a map, look up an address, or send an urgent message. No : To access the bank, make payments, send confidential documents, or connect to sensitive work platforms.