Free Wifi | Risks of Using Public Free Wifi Networks.

 Risks of using free wifi:

Using free Wi-Fi can be risky as it can expose your personal information to hackers. Hackers can position themselves between you and the connection point and intercept your data. They can also use an unsecured Wi-Fi connection to distribute malware. 

It is recommended that you avoid using public Wi-Fi for sensitive activities such as online banking or shopping. If you must use public Wi-Fi, consider using a VPN (Virtual Private Network).

How does vpn protect from free wifi attack?

VPNs can protect you from hackers on unsecured public WiFi networks. Some free public WiFi networks still use insecure encryption or lack a strong password, so they’re vulnerable to attack. A VPN encrypts all your internet traffic and hides your IP address. This makes it difficult for hackers to break into the network and spy on you. 

You can also use a firewall to block unauthorized access to your computer or network 

What is encryption?

Encryption is the process of converting data into a code to prevent unauthorized access. It is a way of protecting your data by making it unreadable to anyone who doesn't have the key to decode it. 

Hackers can hijack your data using free WiFi in a number of ways, including:

Man-in-the-middle (MITM) attack:

This is a type of cyberattack where the hacker intercepts your data as it travels between your device and the internet. This can be done by setting up a fake WiFi hotspot that looks like a legitimate one. Once you connect to the fake hotspot, the hacker can see all of your traffic, including your passwords, credit card numbers, and other sensitive information.

Phishing attack:

This is a type of cyberattack where the hacker sends you a fraudulent email or text message that looks like it's from a legitimate source. The email or text message will often contain a link that, when clicked, will take you to a fake website that looks like the real website. Once you enter your personal information on the fake website, the hacker can steal it.

Malware attack:

This is a type of cyberattack where the hacker installs malware on your device. Malware can be installed through a variety of ways, including clicking on a malicious link, opening an infected attachment, or downloading a file from an untrusted source. Once malware is installed on your device, it can steal your data, hijack your browser, or take control of your device.