Using public Wi-Fi more safely

Free Wi-Fi saves data, but anyone can set up a network called "Free Airport WiFi" to watch what people do on it. You do not need to avoid public Wi-Fi completely. You only need to use it with sensible care.

What can go wrong

• Fake hotspots: criminals create networks with believable names to trick you into connecting.
• Snooping: on an unsecured network, other users may be able to see unprotected traffic.
• Fake login pages: some hotspots show a page that asks for your email and password "to continue".

Before you connect

Ask the staff for the exact network name and password. Do not join networks with similar names that you were not told about. Turn off automatic connection to open networks in your phone settings.

While you are connected

• Stick to websites and apps that use secure connections, shown by a padlock and an address that begins with https.
• Avoid banking, payments and sensitive logins on public Wi-Fi. If you must, use your mobile data instead.
• Never enter your password or card details after a pop-up asks for them on a Wi-Fi sign-in page.
• Keep your phone's software and apps up to date.
• Turn off file sharing and Bluetooth visibility when you do not need them.

Consider a trusted VPN

A VPN encrypts the traffic between your device and the VPN server. It can add privacy on public networks, but only choose a well-known provider that explains how it handles your data. Free VPNs of unknown origin can be worse than no VPN.

Use your own hotspot when possible

Sharing a mobile hotspot from your phone with a strong password is often safer than using an unknown network, although it uses your data.

After you leave

Tell your phone to forget the network, so it does not reconnect automatically later. If you logged in to any important account, consider changing the password when you are on a trusted connection.

A simple rule

If it involves money or your identity, use your own mobile data or a trusted home network. Use public Wi-Fi for low-risk things like reading news or watching a video.

With these habits you can enjoy the convenience of free Wi-Fi while keeping your accounts safe.

Written by the EarnNaija team at EarnNaija Digital Technologies.

This article is general information, not financial or legal advice. Earnings are never guaranteed. See our fees page for the exact costs.