Having access to public Wi-Fi makes life a whole lot easier and more convenient. But using it comes with some risks, and without the right precautions, your personal data could end up in the wrong hands. The good news? Staying safe is simple once you know what to look out for.
When you’re new to Australia, understanding how to use public Wi-Fi safely can help you to protect your sensitive information. In this Remitly guide, we’ll show you how to browse safely, keep your accounts secure, and reduce the risks of using public Wi-Fi.
Public Wi-Fi: risks and benefits
Many major Australian cities offer free public Wi-Fi in key locations. Projects like the City of Sydney’s Free Public Wi-Fi and Melbourne’s free city-wide Wi-Fi make it easier to stay online without eating into your mobile data.
You’ll also find free Wi-Fi in libraries, shopping centres, transport hubs, and major tourist areas nationwide. It’s especially handy to have access to these networks when you’ve just moved to Australia and haven’t yet sorted out your mobile plan.
Secured vs. unsecured networks
Not all public Wi-Fi is created equal. Secured Wi-Fi requires you to enter a password before joining. Think about when you’re sitting in a café and want to connect to their Wi-Fi network. You often need to ask one of the staff for the password before you can access the internet.
This password protection makes secured networks slightly safer than unsecured networks, where anyone can connect without needing to enter a password. Unsecured networks are common in places like airports and shopping centres.
That said, there are potential risks that apply to both secured and unsecured public Wi-Fi networks. The biggest threats include:
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- Data exposure: Without encryption, anything you send over public Wi-Fi—like emails, passwords, or payment details—could be intercepted by someone else on the network.
- Compromised devices: Cybercriminals can use public Wi-Fi networks as a conduit to access your device, enabling them to monitor your activity and even install malware.
- Session hijacking: If a hacker intercepts your connection, they can potentially gain access to your email, social media, or banking apps.
- Shoulder surfing: Even without hacking, someone sitting nearby could watch you enter your passwords or personal details, putting your sensitive information at risk.
- Oversharing: Device settings can sometimes allow file-sharing or device discovery by default, making your personal files visible to others on the same network.
While public Wi-Fi is convenient, putting some safety measures in place when you’re using it will help to reduce any risks to your data.
Wi-Fi security tips: browse safely on public networks
In Australia, the Privacy Act protects your personal information. However, it doesn’t stop cybercriminals from targeting public networks to gain access to this data, so here are some security measures of your own that you can take.
Only connect to networks you recognise
Cybercriminals sometimes create fake Wi-Fi networks with names that look legitimate, like “Free Café Wi-Fi” or “Airport_Guest”. If you connect, this gives them the opportunity to intercept your data, steal login credentials, or even install malware on your device.
To stay safe:
- Always confirm the official network name before connecting.
- Avoid joining networks with generic or suspicious names.
- Don’t assume the first option in your Wi-Fi settings is safe.
- When in doubt, use your mobile data or a personal hotspot instead.
Use a virtual private network (VPN)
A virtual private network (VPN) encrypts your internet connection to add a layer of security when you’re using public Wi-Fi.
Encryption scrambles your data into unreadable code, ensuring that even if a hacker intercepts your connection, they won’t be able to see what you’re doing or steal sensitive information like passwords or banking details.
Think of it like sending a locked parcel instead of an open envelope—only the intended recipient (your VPN server) has the key to unlock it. By routing your traffic through a secure server, it keeps your online activity private and reduces the risk of cyber threats.
If you use public Wi-Fi regularly, a VPN is one of the best ways to stay safe. Look for one with a large network of servers and fast connection speeds.
Don’t automatically connect to Wi-Fi
Many devices are set to automatically connect to available Wi-Fi networks, which can be risky. That’s because cybercriminals can create fake networks that mimic legitimate ones. If your phone or laptop connects without you realising, your data could be exposed before you even open a browser.
To stay safe, turn off automatic Wi-Fi connections in your device settings and manually select networks instead. This way, you stay in control of where and when you connect. For added security, remove saved public networks from your device after using them to prevent unwanted reconnections.
Stick to secure websites
This applies whether you’re using public Wi-Fi or you’re on your own, secured network: Always check that the websites you visit are secure.
A secure website’s address starts with HTTPS. The “S” stands for “secure”—this means the site encrypts your data, making it harder for hackers to steal information like passwords or payment details.
Avoid websites that show security warnings or only have HTTP in the address, especially if you’re banking, sending money, or shopping online.
Avoid accessing sensitive information while connected to public Wi-Fi
Public Wi-Fi isn’t secure enough for sensitive activities like online banking or sending money. Hackers can intercept your connection and steal login credentials, credit card details, or personal data.
To stay safe, avoid logging into your bank account, entering payment details, or sending money while using public Wi-Fi. If it’s urgent, switch to mobile data or a personal hotspot for a more secure connection. Waiting until you’re on a trusted network is always the safest option.
Use two-factor authentication to secure your accounts
Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds an extra layer of security to your online accounts by requiring two forms of verification—like your password plus a one-time passcode that’s sent to your phone—before access is granted.
Even if a hacker manages to steal your login details while you’re using public Wi-Fi, 2FA can stop them from accessing your account because they won’t be able to carry out the additional verification step.
Many banks, email providers, and social media platforms offer 2FA through SMS codes, authentication apps, or biometrics. You can also enable app-based authentication (like Google Authenticator) for some websites and applications.
Keep your device updated and use anti-virus software
Making sure your device’s software, apps, and operating system are up to date is one of the simplest ways to protect yourself on public Wi-Fi.
Updates often include security patches that fix known vulnerabilities hackers could exploit. Ignoring updates could leave your device open to threats like malware and spyware, so try to apply them when they come up.
Anti-virus software is another simple solution for protecting your data. These programs are designed to detect and block harmful software and fend off attacks. Many devices come with built-in security tools, but a purpose-built, trusted third-party antivirus program usually offers more comprehensive protection.
You might want to consider enabling automatic updates for both your device and your security software. This ensures you’re always protected against the latest threats.
Browse with confidence
Public Wi-Fi is a great way to stay connected, and there are simple ways to ensure you’re using it wisely. By taking a few simple precautions—like verifying networks, using a VPN, and avoiding sensitive activities—you can reduce the risks and protect your personal information.
Staying safe online doesn’t have to be complicated—small habits can make a big difference. And if something feels off, remember that it’s always better to wait and use a trusted connection.
With these tips in mind, you can be confident about accessing WiFi wherever you go, whether you’re surfing the internet on public transport in one of Australia’s major cities or connecting to the network at your local café while you enjoy some Australian treats.
FAQs
Is public Wi-Fi safe for banking transactions?
Using public Wi-Fi for banking is risky. Hackers can intercept data on unsecured networks and potentially gain access to your financial information. It’s safer to use a secure, private connection or your mobile data for sensitive transactions.
What are some common misconceptions about public Wi-Fi security?
Public Wi-Fi networks aren’t inherently insecure. While open networks can be risky, some public Wi-Fi networks use passwords and encryption to protect user data. However, verifying the security of each network before you connect to it will help to keep your information safe.
How can I enhance security while travelling and using public Wi-Fi?
To stay secure on public Wi-Fi while travelling, use a virtual private network (VPN) to encrypt your internet connection, ensure your device’s software is up to date, and avoid accessing sensitive information on unsecured networks. Disabling automatic connections to open Wi-Fi networks can also prevent unintended exposure.