6.1 Public Wi-Fi: The Unseen Risk: Using an unsecured Wi-Fi network and nearly being compromised

Public Wi-Fi: The Unseen Risk

In this lesson, let’s understand the concepts

• The risks of using unsecured public Wi-Fi networks
• How attackers exploit unsecured Wi-Fi to steal data
• The role of VPNs in keeping your connection secure on public networks

by considering a scenario as described below.

Rahul was sitting at his favorite café, enjoying a coffee and using the free Wi-Fi to check his emails and browse some websites. Everything seemed fine until he received a notification from his bank warning him about suspicious activity. Alarmed, Rahul turned to Rohit for help, only to learn that his sensitive data might have been compromised while connected to the unsecured Wi-Fi.

The Dangers of Unsecured Public Wi-Fi

Rahul:
“Rohit, I use public Wi-Fi all the time when I’m out at cafés or airports. But today, my bank alerted me about suspicious activity. Could it be related to using that Wi-Fi?”

Rohit:
“Unfortunately, Rahul, yes. Public Wi-Fi, like the one you were using, is unsecured. This means that when you connect to a public Wi-Fi network, the data you send and receive is not encrypted, making it easy for hackers to intercept it. Public Wi-Fi networks are not protected with strong security measures, which means that cybercriminals can eavesdrop on your internet traffic and steal sensitive information.”

Rahul:
“So, just by using public Wi-Fi, my data could be exposed to attackers?”

Rohit:
“Exactly. Man-in-the-middle attacks are common on unsecured networks. In this type of attack, the hacker places themselves between you and the website or service you’re communicating with. Instead of your data going directly to the website, it passes through the hacker, who can see everything you’re doing online.”

Rahul:
“That sounds dangerous! So, if I was checking my bank account or entering credit card information, the hacker could’ve gotten access to it?”

Rohit:
“Exactly, Rahul. Hackers can steal login credentials, credit card information, personal messages, and anything you send over the network if you’re on an unsecured public Wi-Fi network. This is why public Wi-Fi is so risky.”

How Attackers Exploit Unsecured Wi-Fi

Rahul:
“So how do hackers actually exploit these unsecured networks?”

Rohit:
“There are several ways attackers can exploit unsecured Wi-Fi networks:

1. Fake Wi-Fi Networks (Evil Twin):
   • Attackers can set up a fake Wi-Fi network that looks identical to the legitimate public Wi-Fi. For example, they might name their network ‘CoffeeShop-WiFi’ instead of the real ‘CoffeeShop-Free-Wifi.’ When people connect to this fake network, the hacker has complete access to all the data they send. The hacker can monitor the traffic, intercept passwords, and steal personal information without the victim even knowing.
2. Packet Sniffing:
   • Once connected to the unsecured Wi-Fi, hackers can use special tools to sniff or capture data packets that are being sent over the network. They can view anything transmitted in clear text, like usernames, passwords, emails, and even credit card details if they are not properly encrypted.
3. Session Hijacking:
   • In this type of attack, the hacker intercepts the session between you and a website you’re logged into. This allows them to take over your active session and access your online accounts without needing your login credentials.”

Rahul:
“Wow, I had no idea how easy it is for attackers to intercept my data on public Wi-Fi.”

Rohit:
“Unfortunately, many people don’t realize these risks, which is why attackers often target public places like cafés, airports, and hotels where people connect to free Wi-Fi.”

Using a VPN: Your Digital Shield

Rahul:
“So, how do I protect myself from these types of attacks when I use public Wi-Fi?”

Rohit:
“The best way to protect your data when using public Wi-Fi is by using a VPN—a Virtual Private Network. A VPN encrypts your internet connection and routes it through a secure server, making your data unreadable to anyone trying to intercept it. With a VPN, even if a hacker is on the same public Wi-Fi network, they won’t be able to see what you’re doing or steal your data.”

Rahul:
“Does that mean all my internet traffic is encrypted with a VPN?”

Rohit:
“Yes, when you use a VPN, your connection is encrypted from your device to the VPN server. This makes it impossible for hackers to eavesdrop on your activities. It’s like putting your data inside a secure, encrypted tunnel, which prevents hackers from seeing or stealing anything.”

How to Use a VPN on Public Wi-Fi

Rahul:
“How do I use a VPN when I’m on public Wi-Fi? Is it easy to set up?”

Rohit:
“Setting up a VPN is simple. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Choose a Reputable VPN Provider:
   • Pick a trusted VPN service provider that offers strong encryption and doesn’t log your activities. Some popular options include NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and CyberGhost.
2. Install the VPN App:
   • Download and install the VPN app on your device (whether it’s a laptop, tablet, or smartphone).
3. Connect to the VPN:
   • Before connecting to any public Wi-Fi, activate the VPN. Once connected, all your online activities will be encrypted and routed through the VPN server.
4. Use the Internet Safely:
   • Now you can browse, check emails, and access websites without worrying about hackers intercepting your data.”

Rahul:
“That sounds easy enough. I’ll make sure to use a VPN next time I connect to public Wi-Fi.”

Additional Tips for Staying Safe on Public Wi-Fi

Rohit:
“Besides using a VPN, here are some other tips to stay safe when using public Wi-Fi:

1. Turn Off File Sharing:
   • Disable file and printer sharing on your device while using public Wi-Fi. This limits what others on the same network can access.
2. Use HTTPS Websites:
   • Always check for ‘https://’ in the web address before entering sensitive information. The ‘s’ stands for secure and ensures that the connection is encrypted.
3. Turn Off Wi-Fi When Not in Use:
   • If you’re not actively using the internet, turn off your Wi-Fi. This prevents your device from automatically connecting to any unknown networks.”

Takeaway: Protect Your Data on Public Wi-Fi

• Public Wi-Fi networks are unsecured and can be easily exploited by hackers to steal your data.
• A VPN is the best way to secure your internet connection on public Wi-Fi, as it encrypts your data and prevents hackers from accessing it.
• Be cautious by avoiding suspicious networks, checking for HTTPS on websites, and using a VPN whenever you’re on public Wi-Fi.

Rahul:
“Thanks for the advice, Rohit. I’ll start using a VPN whenever I’m on public Wi-Fi, and I’ll be more careful about my internet activity.”

Rohit:
“You’re making the right choice, Rahul! Protecting your data is crucial, especially on public networks. Stay aware, and you’ll be much safer online.”