03/06/2026
That free Wi-Fi at your favorite coffee shop? Criminals might have set up a fake one right next to it, just waiting for you to connect. Once you do, they can see everything.
The golden rule: if you're on public Wi-Fi, assume the whole world can see what you're doing. That means no banking, shopping, entering passwords, or credit card info. Save that for a network you trust. Also, make sure your devices are NOT set to auto-connect to open networks.
If you absolutely have to use it, here's what to do:
Double-check the network name. Criminals create fake networks that look almost identical to the real one, sometimes off by just one letter or one word like "free" rearranged. Connect to the wrong one and they can see your activity and even capture your passwords as you type them. When in doubt, ask the business for the exact name.
Be suspicious of pop-ups. If a screen pops up asking you to accept terms before connecting, make sure you're on the right network first. Criminals use fake pop-ups to trick you into downloading malware.
Other ways to protect yourself:
- Use a VPN (it scrambles your data so no one can read it)
- Use strong passwords and turn on 2-Factor Authentication
- Make your own hotspot from your phone instead of connecting to public Wi-Fi at all
- When charging on the go, use your own charging cable and brick and plug it directly into an outlet. Criminals can plant modified cables designed to steal your data in public spaces, and federal agencies like the FBI and TSA warn that public USB charging ports pose a similar risk.
Bottom line: if it's free and open to the public, slow down and be cautious. Public Wi-Fi is like having a conversation in a crowded room. Don't say anything you wouldn't want a stranger to hear.
Learn more in the latest edition of Inside the Star, link in comments.
