The Hidden Dangers of Public WiFi
Free WiFi at your favorite coffee shop seems harmless, right? Unfortunately, public WiFi networks are one of the easiest ways for cybercriminals to steal your personal information.
Common Public WiFi Attacks
1. Man-in-the-Middle Attacks
Hackers position themselves between you and the WiFi router, intercepting everything you send and receive.
2. Evil Twin Networks
Criminals create fake WiFi networks with names like "Free Airport WiFi" to trick you into connecting.
3. Packet Sniffing
On unencrypted networks, anyone with the right software can capture and read your data.
4. Session Hijacking
Hackers steal your session cookies to access your logged-in accounts.
10 Tips to Stay Safe
1. Always Use a VPN
A VPN encrypts your connection, making it impossible for hackers to read your data. This is the single most effective protection.
2. Verify the Network Name
Ask an employee for the exact network name. Don't just connect to the strongest signal.
3. Use HTTPS Websites Only
Look for the padlock icon in your browser. Never enter sensitive info on HTTP sites.
4. Disable Auto-Connect
Turn off automatic WiFi connection on your devices to prevent connecting to malicious networks.
5. Turn Off File Sharing
Disable AirDrop, file sharing, and Bluetooth when on public networks.
6. Enable Two-Factor Authentication
Even if hackers get your password, 2FA provides an extra layer of protection.
7. Avoid Sensitive Activities
Don't do online banking or shopping on public WiFi unless you're using a VPN.
8. Keep Software Updated
Updates often include security patches that protect against known vulnerabilities.
9. Use Mobile Data When Possible
Your cellular connection is more secure than public WiFi.
10. Log Out When Done
Don't stay logged into accounts when using public networks.
Why Bolt VPN Is Your Best Defense
Bolt VPN creates an encrypted tunnel that protects all your data on public WiFi. With military-grade 256-bit encryption, even if hackers intercept your traffic, they can't read it.
Download Bolt VPN today and browse safely anywhere.
