WARNING to those connecting to free Wi-Fi in cafes and parks

Free Wi-Fi networks in public places seem like a convenient solution, but such connections can create serious threats to users.

Unencrypted or poorly secured networks that people use in cafés, parks, and shopping centers pose a particular danger — they significantly increase the risk of personal data theft.

According to cybersecurity experts, data is not encrypted on open Wi-Fi networks, which allows third parties to easily intercept a user's internet traffic.

In the process, social media accounts, email addresses, and even bank card details can fall into the hands of attackers.

One of the most common threats is "fake Wi-Fi networks." Scammers create networks with names that mimic well-known establishments and lure users into connecting to them. Once connected, the attackers gain access to the data on the victim's device.

Experts recommend following these rules when using public Wi-Fi:

- Do not conduct banking transactions on unencrypted networks

- Enable two-factor authentication for important accounts

- Use a VPN service whenever possible

- Choose websites secured with the "HTTPS" protocol

- Disable the automatic network connection feature

It is noted that the safest option remains using mobile data. However, if connecting to a public Wi-Fi network is unavoidable, experts strongly recommend exercising maximum caution to protect personal data.