Is it safe to browse on public Wi-Fi?

You’re at a café, an airport or a hotel and an open network shows up. The short answer to whether it’s safe: not entirely. Almost every site uses HTTPS today, which lowers the risk a lot, but doesn’t remove it.

The most common risks

• Fake networks: someone sets up a network with almost the same name as the venue’s so you connect to it.
• Fake captive portals: pages asking you to sign in with your email or social account “to get internet”.
• Exposed traffic: apps or sites that don’t encrypt properly can leak data to others on the same network.

How to protect yourself

1. Use a VPN from a trusted provider. It encrypts everything leaving your device. Be wary of free VPNs: many cover their costs with your data.
2. Ask the staff for the exact network name.
3. Turn off auto-join for open networks on your phone and laptop.
4. For banking or shopping, prefer your mobile data or a hotspot from your phone.
5. Turn on multi-factor authentication (MFA) for your important accounts.
6. When you’re done, forget the network so your device doesn’t reconnect on its own.

If you don’t have a VPN at hand, the simplest rule is still the best: avoid networks you don’t know.