Use public Wi-Fi safely
Reverse the threat of cybercrime
Public Wi-Fi isn’t always safe. Without the right protection your private information could become public. Get smart about using public Wi-Fi.
What is public Wi-Fi?
Wi-Fi is a way to wirelessly connect to the internet. Some places, like cafés, libraries, hotels, airports and even phone booths offer public Wi-Fi where anyone can connect their smartphones, tablets or laptops.
Public Wi-Fi hotspots are convenient but can be risky. It's easy for the information being sent between your device and the public Wi-Fi network to be intercepted.
Cybercriminals have also been known to set up rogue Wi-Fi hotspots with names that look like a legitimate network. Cybercriminals use these networks to get their hands on your banking credentials, account passwords, and other valuable information.
How to stay safe when using public Wi-Fi
Be careful about what you do online when you’re using a public Wi-Fi hotspot. Here are some tips to help keep your information safe:
- Confirm the 'official' hotspot name from venue staff and manually connect your device to it. Don’t let your device automatically connect to the first hotspot in its list
- Check the privacy and security details of the public Wi-Fi before agreeing to the terms of use. Check to see what data will be collected about you and how it will be used
- Don't do your online banking or shopping, send confidential emails or enter your passwords or credit card details on public Wi-Fi. Wait until you’re using a secure home, office or mobile connection
- When you are using websites while on public Wi-Fi, make sure the websites are secure. Always look for a https (‘s’ stands for secure) in the website address and a padlock on the web browser
- Turn off file sharing. If you have file sharing turned on and you connect to a public Wi-Fi hotspot, your files could be accessed by others using the same hotspot
- Install a reputable Virtual Private Network (VPN) on your device. When enabled, this boosts security by creating an encrypted ‘tunnel’ for your information to pass securely through public Wi-Fi networks
- Turn on your firewall and virus scanner. Firewalls are designed to prevent unauthorised access. Be sure to check your device and turn on its firewall (if applicable)
- Always remember to disconnect from the hotspot after you’ve finished using it
- Consider using the mobile data on your phone instead. If you're using a laptop or tablet without mobile data, try setting up your phone as personal hotspot with a strong password.
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