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Google has recently advised Android users to stay away from public Wi-Fi. According to the company’s warning, these networks are often unencrypted, making it easy for cybercriminals to steal bank details, passwords or personal information. Google has said that “avoid using public Wi-Fi as much as possible”, as they can act like a ‘Trojan horse’. This means that hackers can create backdoor access to your device.
Google has also advised 3 billion smartphone users to change their phone settings. The biggest change is to turn off auto-connect to Wi-Fi. This warning has been issued through Google Safety Center and Android updates.
What are the dangers of using public Wi-Fi?
Public Wi-Fi (like free Wi-Fi available at cafes, airports or hotels) may seem convenient, but it can come with a number of security risks. Hackers can take advantage of these networks and steal your information.
1. Data Interception and Theft
When you send or receive something over the Internet, such as logging in, sending an email or making an online payment, that data travels through the network. If this data is not encrypted, hackers can intercept it. Suppose you login to your bank account through free Wi-Fi of a cafe. If that Wi-Fi is not secure, a hacker can capture your username, password or bank information from the same network. As a result, your account may become empty.
2. Man-in-the-middle (MITM) attack
In this attack the hacker places himself between you and the website. You think that you are directly connected to the website, but in reality the hacker first takes all your information to himself. For example, you open www.amazon.in or any other such site, but the hacker sends you to a similar fake website www.amaz0n.in. You login there, and your password goes to the hacker. In such a situation, your account or card details can be stolen.
3. Malware Infection
Downloading files from unsafe networks or websites may introduce viruses or harmful software into your device. They can harm your system or steal your personal information. For example, you go to a website to download a free movie. That site shows a fake “download button” which, when clicked, injects the virus into your laptop. The result is that your device becomes slow or data is locked and hackers can demand money.
4. Identity Theft
When someone steals your personal information like name, address, PAN card, bank details etc. and misuses it, it is called identity theft. For example, if your KYC or PAN information is leaked from a website, the hacker can use it to open a new bank account or take a loan in your name. As a result, debt may be raised in your name and you may face problems.
5. Fake Network (Fake Wi-Fi Hotspot)
Hackers sometimes create a fake Wi-Fi network with the real name. People connect to it by mistake and all their data reaches the hacker. For example, suppose you are at the airport and see a network named Airport_Free_WiFi. But actually the network is AirportOfficialWiFi. You accidentally connect with a fake one. In such a situation, your password, OTP and bank details can be stolen. These risks increase further when you do any sensitive work (like online banking).
If you are forced to use public Wi-Fi…
If you are forced to use public Wi-Fi, you can reduce the risk by adopting these precautions. Below are step-by-step tips:
1. Use of VPN
Always use a trusted virtual private network (VPN). This encrypts your internet connection and hackers are unable to read the data. The thing to be especially noted here is that here too you have to avoid free VPNs and can use VPNs with paid services like NordVPN or ExpressVPN.
2. Open HTTPS websites only
While viewing the URL in the browser, note that the website starts with https:// and there is a lock sign in front of it. Avoid HTTP sites, as they are unencrypted and prone to data leakage.
3. Don’t do sensitive work
Avoid banking, online shopping or logging into any account on public Wi-Fi. Always do such work on your mobile data or personal network.
4. Keep Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) On
Enable 2FA (Two-Factor Authentication) on all your online accounts. With this, even if the password is stolen, the hacker will not be able to access the account.
5. Correct device settings
Keep the auto-connect Wi-Fi feature turned off. Keep file sharing and Bluetooth off. Keep firewall and antivirus software updated.
6. Network check
Make sure the network is genuine before connecting. If necessary, ask the staff or administrator for the name of the network. Always prefer password-protected networks.
7. Use of browser extensions
Install extensions like HTTPS Everywhere. It automatically opens websites in secure (HTTPS) mode.
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