Experts warn public Wi-Fi as hackers ‘steal money, personal information and identity’

Scots have been warned about using public Wi-Fi, with experts highlighting the dangers associated with connecting.

Many of us connect to public Wi-Fi when we’re on the train, for example, on our way to work. But while you can shop while scrolling on your commute, this can cost you more than just the items you buy.

One warning, called “Session Hijacking,” explains that if a cybercriminal gains access to your device while you’re browsing online, your data may be copied. When they do this, they hijack your browsing session and impersonate you. This means they can steal your money, personal information, and identity.

Experts warn that there are many “hidden dangers of public Wi-Fi” that we should be aware of, adding: “It can be very reassuring to find free Wi-Fi at airports, train stations, coffee shops and hotels, but… , it is important to be aware of these connections.” It’s not always as safe as you think. ”

Vincent Iachetta Jr., President of Peppermonkey Media, talks about why you should think twice before connecting to public Wi-Fi.Here’s what you need to know

What are the risks of using public Wi-Fi?

man-in-the-middle attack

A man-in-the-middle attack is when a hacker infiltrates a public network and views the data sent from connected devices to your Wi-Fi router. “If you were doing online banking at the time, hackers can see your passwords and account information,” Vincent said. Credit card numbers, email addresses, and other personal information can be stolen. ”

Evil Twin Attack

If you’re looking for a public Wi-Fi hotspot, you might find one that looks a lot like the right one. It may have a name such as “Free University Wi-Fi1” or “Station Wi-Fi234.” But if you use this clone instead of the correct network, you will be connecting directly to scammers and your personal data may be leaked.

Network infected with malware

According to Vincent, “Once a hacker infects your network, they can send software bugs to any devices connected to it.” If a pop-up suddenly appears, it may contain an infected link. Please do not click on it, as it may be incorrect.

How can I stay safe?

Vincent’s simplest advice is to try to use mobile networks whenever possible. “Rather than risking public Wi-Fi, use your mobile data. The inconvenience of using up your data is nothing compared to what you will face if your personal information is stolen by fraudsters,” he said. I’ve never done that,” he explains.

Vincent shares some top tips for defeating scammers on public networks.

• When using public Wi-Fi, be sure to use a VPN (virtual private network). All data is encrypted so hackers cannot view it.

• Use a password manager to prevent cybercriminals from viewing your passwords.

• “Also, never conduct sensitive activities such as online banking when using free Wi-Fi,” says Vincent. If you absolutely need to verify your banking information, do so via an app that uses 4G. ”

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