Smart-Net

Public Wi-Fi: Could Someone on the Same Network Reach Your Device?

Connecting to public Wi-Fi doesn’t automatically mean your phone or computer has been hacked. But it’s useful to understand what the risks are—and how to reduce them.

• Fake hotspots may direct you to a fake sign-in page. If you enter your password there, someone could steal it.
• On a real public network, another user may be able to discover devices or services that are reachable on the network. Whether that creates a risk depends on your device’s settings, exposed services, and security updates.

HTTPS encrypts the connection between your device and a website. A VPN adds an encrypted connection between your device and the VPN provider. Both can help, but neither can stop phishing, malware, or every risk from a vulnerable device.

A few practical habits:
✓ Confirm the Wi-Fi network name with staff, and turn off automatic Wi-Fi joining.
✓ Turn off file sharing and network discovery on public networks.
✓ Keep your firewall and software up to date.
✓ Use mobile data for banking or other sensitive tasks when practical.
✓ If you use a VPN, choose a provider you trust.

Public Wi-Fi can be useful. Knowing what the risks are—and what a VPN can and cannot do—can help you use it more safely.