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The Risks of Using Public Wi-Fi Networks

The Risks of Using Public Wi-Fi Networks
3 days ago

Introduction

Public Wi-Fi networks have become an essential part of people’s daily lives, whether in cafes, malls, universities, or even in public transportation and airports. These networks provide fast internet connectivity without consuming mobile data packages, which offers great convenience for users. However, despite this apparent benefit, using public Wi-Fi networks carries serious security risks that may threaten users’ privacy and the security of their sensitive data, and may even lead to financial loss, extortion, or identity theft.

In this extensive article, we will discuss all the risks of using public Wi-Fi networks in academic and practical detail, starting from understanding how these networks work, moving through the types of cyberattacks that target users via them, to the effective protection methods that every user must follow, along with real-life examples and cases of breaches that have already occurred. At the end, we will also provide a comprehensive personal protection guide for every public Wi-Fi user.

First: What are public Wi-Fi networks?

Definition of public Wi-Fi networks

A public Wi-Fi network is any open wireless network or one protected by a known password, available for public use without personal restrictions, such as networks found in:

  • Cafes and restaurants

  • Hotels

  • Universities and educational institutes

  • Public libraries

  • Train stations, bus stations, and airports

  • Shopping malls

  • Government institutions that provide Wi-Fi service to visitors

How do public Wi-Fi networks work?

Public Wi-Fi networks are created using Access Point routers distributed around the area to be covered, connected to a main internet connection. These networks are often either:

  • Completely open (Open Network): Do not require a password, and anyone can connect.

  • Protected with a known password: Such as a unified password written on a board in the café or hotel.

In both cases, these networks often do not include any strong encryption such as WPA3 or mandatory built-in VPN, which makes them a fertile environment for cyber threats.

Second: The inherent risks of using public Wi-Fi networks

1. Man-in-the-Middle Attack

What is a Man-in-the-Middle attack?

It is an attack that intercepts the connection between your device and the target internet server. The attacker sneaks into the data path between both parties without your knowledge, enabling them to:

  • Read everything you send or receive

  • Modify the data being sent or received

  • Redirect you to fake websites identical to the original ones (Phishing)

Practical examples:

If you log into your bank account or email via public Wi-Fi without a VPN or trusted HTTPS, the attacker can easily steal your username and password.

2. Creation of Fake Hotspots

How does it happen?

The hacker creates a fake Wi-Fi hotspot with a name very similar to the genuine public network in the same location, such as:

  • REAL_CAFE_WIFI

  • REAL_CAFE_WIFI_FREE

Users become confused and connect to the fake network unknowingly. The attacker then controls the entire connection and begins to:

  • Log all data traffic

  • Send fake updates or malicious files

  • Steal social media and email accounts

3. Malware Injection Attacks

How does it occur?

Upon connecting to an unsecured public network, the attacker may inject malicious software files into your device, such as:

  • Trojan viruses for remote access

  • Keyloggers to record keystrokes and passwords

  • Ransomware to lock your files and demand a ransom

4. Identity Breach and Account Theft (Credential Theft)

What exactly happens?

When you log into your accounts without a security layer like VPN or trusted HTTPS, your login data (username/password) is transmitted either unencrypted or with weak encryption that can be easily broken, leading to:

  • The attacker gaining access to your bank accounts

  • Taking control of your email accounts

  • Entering your social media accounts to blackmail you or impersonate you

5. Complete Privacy Violation

How?

The network provider or hacker can monitor all of your:

  • Websites visited

  • Downloaded files

  • Videos watched

  • Text and voice messages if unencrypted

This poses a severe threat to personal and professional privacy.

6. Session Hijacking Attack

Simple explanation:

After logging into a website, a Session ID is created to maintain your session without requiring your password for each action. In public Wi-Fi, the attacker may intercept this identifier (Session Token) and use it to enter your account directly without needing login credentials.

7. Denial of Service Attack (DoS)

How does the attacker use it?

The hacker floods the public network with fake requests, which leads to:

  • Slowing down the internet for all users

  • Completely cutting off the service

  • Causing loss of work or data being uploaded or downloaded

Third: The most common tools and methods to hack public Wi-Fi networks

1. Sniffing tools such as Wireshark

Used to capture and analyze data packets between devices and the network.

2. Man-in-the-Middle tools such as Ettercap and Cain & Abel

Used to intercept and modify traffic.

3. Creating Fake Hotspots using tools like WiFi Pineapple

A small device or software tool to create fake access points to trap victims.

4. Keyloggers

Malware injected into the victim’s device to record all keyboard activity.

Fourth: Real-life examples of hacks via public Wi-Fi

Example 1: Hacking travelers at London Airport

In a security study published in 2016, a fake network was set up with a name similar to Heathrow Airport’s network. Researchers managed to capture sensitive login information of dozens of passengers in less than an hour.

Example 2: Starbucks Cafes

In 2017, attackers exploited the free Wi-Fi at Starbucks in the United States to distribute cryptocurrency mining malware on users’ devices without their knowledge, causing their devices to slow down and their electricity consumption to rise.

Fifth: How to protect yourself when using public Wi-Fi networks

1. Always use a trusted VPN

VPN (Virtual Private Network) is the first line of defense because it:

  • Encrypts all traffic completely

  • Prevents your activity from being visible to the network provider or hackers

2. Activate the Firewall on your device

3. Always ensure you use HTTPS websites

4. Avoid sensitive operations

Such as bank transactions or entering credit card details while using public Wi-Fi.

5. Turn off Wi-Fi and Bluetooth when not in use

6. Use the “Forget Network” feature after finishing

7. Enable Two-Factor Authentication for all your accounts

8. Keep your operating system and software updated regularly

9. Always use reliable and updated antivirus programs

Sixth: The future of public Wi-Fi security

Modern protection trends:

  • WPA3: A new security standard replacing WPA2, providing much stronger encryption.

  • Hotspot 2.0: A standard providing automatic secure sign-in to encrypted public Wi-Fi networks.

  • Integration with VPN Gateways: Connecting access points to VPN servers automatically for all users.

Conclusion

Public Wi-Fi networks provide us with great ease and comfort in accessing the internet while on the move, but in return, they expose us to severe security risks that may threaten our personal data and financial accounts. Unfortunately, many users do not realize these risks until it is too late. Therefore, public Wi-Fi networks should be used with great caution, just as if you were using a friend’s phone or a public device, and all the protection methods mentioned should be followed to ensure the safety of your data and privacy.

Today, cybersecurity is not a luxury or a technical privilege, but a necessary requirement for every individual and institution in a world where cyberattacks are becoming increasingly advanced and cunning.