Is public wifi safe?
Reviewed answer
Mostly yes for everyday use. Nearly all sites encrypt your traffic. Watch for fake sign-in pages.
- Check the network name with staff. Scammers sometimes set up look-alike networks with names like "Free Airport WiFi".
- If a wifi sign-in page asks you to install something or log in with your email password, close it. A real one only asks you to accept terms or enter a room number.
- For banking or anything sensitive, use your bank's app or your phone's cellular data or hotspot if you want extra peace of mind.
- Keep your phone and computer updated. That matters more than which network you're on.
Get help if
If your browser shows a full-page security or certificate warning on a site you use often, don't continue. Leave that network.