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Using public Wi-Fi could be far more dangerous than you think — and now the government has issued an urgent warning. Authorities are strongly advising citizens to avoid risky activities like banking, shopping, and sharing personal information over unsecured public networks. Cybercriminals often exploit public Wi-Fi hotspots to intercept sensitive data, steal passwords, and even access financial accounts. A single careless connection could expose you to identity theft, hacking, or financial fraud. The warning urges everyone to think twice before connecting to free Wi-Fi at airports, cafes, hotels, or malls. If you must use public networks, experts recommend using a VPN, disabling file sharing, and avoiding any confidential activities. Here's what you need to know to stay safe online.

We're all pretty much glued to the internet these days, right? Whether it's for work or kicking back, smartphones are basically extensions of ourselves. And when that mobile data hits the limit in public, jumping onto public Wi-Fi seems like a no-brainer to save a few bucks. But here's a thought—could those public Wi-Fi connections actually be risky business?

Government Warns Citizens About Public Wifi

Due to the lack of proper security, many public WiFi hotspots are the pinnacle for scammers. As such, Indian CERT has advised all users to suspend any and all transactions requiring finance or commerce on public WiFi to ensure privacy and data security.

Indian Computer Emergency Response Team has recently made an advisory on public WiFi asking citizens to refrain from the use of sensitive activities like online shopping or banking while connected to public networks. Such, according to the team, free public internet in airports and coffee shops may be the second-best thing, but it comes at the cost of compromised credentials and leaking of personal information.

Public Wifi : Lack Of Security

CERT-In stated that cybercriminals can easily hack unsecured connections on public Wi-Fi, which can lead to data theft and financial loss for users. The government has advised people to avoid making transactions or entering personal information when connected to such networks.

How to Be Safe From Public Wifi Security Risks

Here are the Top Things that you should avoid on Public Wifii:

- Avoid Online Banking or Financial Transactions: Never access your bank accounts or make online payments. If the network is anyhow compromised, you will have to face bad consequences.

- Don’t Enter Personal or Sensitive Information: While you are on a public network, you should avoid typing passwords, ID numbers, or personal data. Or you might be sharing it to the wrong person.

- Never Shop Online or Enter Credit Card Details: Online shopping on public Wi-Fi can expose payment info and other personal details such as address and phone numbers.

- Stay Away from Accessing Work Emails or Company Data: Sensitive corporate information can easily be stolen on a public network.

- Don’t Use Apps That Aren’t Fully Encrypted: Stick to secure apps and avoid logging into unsecured apps and services. Or else you might face issues.

- Avoid Downloading Files or Clicking Unknown Links: They could contain malware designed to steal your data.

- Disable Wifi Auto-Connect Settings on Your Device: Prevent your device from connecting automatically to risky networks as it will limit your risks to getting connected to risky wifi.

- Always Use a VPN if You Must Connect: Its not the 100% secure method but it can encrypt your internet traffic to keep you protected.

BONUS Pro Tip: 

Think of public Wi-Fi like a public restroom — use it only when absolutely necessary, and always take extra precautions to protect yourself!

Whenever possible, use your mobile data or a secure personal hotspot instead of connecting to free, unsecured networks.

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