What happens when you use someone else's WiFi?

Connecting to Someone Else’s Wi-Fi: Potential Privacy Risks

Accessing someone else’s Wi-Fi network may seem like a convenient way to get online, but it comes with hidden risks that can jeopardize your privacy. When you connect to an unsecured Wi-Fi network, you expose your online activity to the network owner.

Logging of Internet Traffic

Routers, the devices that provide Wi-Fi access, have the ability to log the internet traffic of connected devices. This means that the owner of the Wi-Fi network can view your browsing history, including the websites you visit, the files you download, and the searches you perform.

Access to Sensitive Data

In addition to your browsing history, Wi-Fi routers can also log other sensitive data, such as:

• Your IP address
• Device information (e.g., model, operating system)
• Connection timestamps

This information can be used to track your online movements, identify your device, and potentially even hack into your accounts.

Phishing and Malware Attacks

Unsecured Wi-Fi networks can be exploited by attackers to launch phishing or malware attacks. By setting up a fake Wi-Fi hotspot with a similar name to a legitimate one, attackers can trick you into connecting to their network and stealing your personal information or infecting your device with malware.

Steps to Protect Your Privacy

To protect your privacy when using public or shared Wi-Fi networks, it is crucial to take the following precautions:

• Avoid connecting to unsecured Wi-Fi networks.
• Use a virtual private network (VPN) to encrypt your internet traffic and hide your browsing history from the network owner.
• Enable two-factor authentication on your accounts to prevent attackers from accessing them even if they have your password.
• Be cautious when entering sensitive data, such as passwords or credit card numbers, while connected to public Wi-Fi.

By following these guidelines, you can minimize the privacy risks associated with using someone else’s Wi-Fi network and protect your online activity from unauthorized access.