[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":84},["ShallowReactive",2],{"post-7-security-mistakes-to-avoid-when-using-public-wi-fi-2":3,"categories":64},{"entry":4},{"id":5,"dateCreated":6,"sectionHandle":7,"title":8,"slug":9,"postContent":10,"date":11,"postSummary":12,"status":13,"author":14,"category":19,"headerImage":28,"seoMetaDescription":58,"seoMetaImage":59,"seoMetaTitle":63},"246843","2026-09-30T20:55:51+02:00","posts","7 Security mistakes to avoid when using Public Wi-Fi","7-security-mistakes-to-avoid-when-using-public-wi-fi-2","\u003Cp>Public Wi-Fi makes it easy to stay connected at coffee shops, airports, hotels, shopping centres and other public places. However, connecting to an unfamiliar network can come with security risks, particularly if the network is fake, compromised or poorly secured. \u003C/p>\r\n\u003Cp dir=\"ltr\">It is still important to take precautions when connecting to public Wi-Fi. While public networks can be convenient, taking a few simple steps can help reduce your exposure to online threats.\u003Cbr>\u003C/p>\r\n\u003Ch3 dir=\"ltr\">\u003Cstrong>1. Connecting without checking the network\u003C/strong>\u003C/h3>\r\n\u003Cp dir=\"ltr\">Before connecting to public Wi-Fi, make sure you are joining the legitimate network. Check the official network name with a staff member or look for the network name displayed on official signage at the venue. Avoid connecting to networks with unfamiliar names or those that appear to imitate the legitimate network.\u003C/p>\r\n\u003Ch3 dir=\"ltr\">\u003Cstrong>2. Relying on a VPN alone\u003C/strong>\u003C/h3>\r\n\u003Cp dir=\"ltr\">One way to add an extra layer of privacy when using public Wi-Fi is a virtual private network (VPN). A VPN creates an encrypted connection between your device and the VPN service, helping protect your traffic while using an unfamiliar network. However, a VPN should be used alongside other security measures rather than as a replacement for them.\u003Cbr>\u003C/p>\r\n\u003Ch3 dir=\"ltr\">\u003Cstrong>3. Leaving automatic Wi-Fi connections enabled\u003C/strong>\u003C/h3>\r\n\u003Cp dir=\"ltr\">Disable automatic Wi-Fi connections so that your device does not connect to networks without you choosing them. This gives you more control over which networks your device joins to and reduces the chance of unintentionally joining an unfamiliar network.\u003C/p>\r\n\u003Ch3 dir=\"ltr\">\u003Cstrong>4. Leaving sharing features on\u003C/strong>\u003C/h3>\r\n\u003Cp dir=\"ltr\">Turn off file sharing, network discovery and similar features when they are not needed. On Apple devices, review your AirDrop settings and choose an appropriate receiving option. These steps reduce the chances of unintentionally exposing your device or files to other people on the network.\u003Cbr>\u003C/p>\r\n\u003Ch3 dir=\"ltr\">\u003Cstrong>5. Carrying out sensitive activities\u003C/strong>\u003C/h3>\r\n\u003Cp dir=\"ltr\">If you do need to use public Wi-Fi, check that the website uses HTTPS before entering sensitive information. The padlock symbol or “https://” in your browser indicates that the connection between your browser and the website is encrypted, although it does not guarantee that the website itself is legitimate.If you do need to use public Wi-Fi, check that the website uses HTTPS before entering sensitive information. The padlock symbol or “https://” in your browser indicates that the connection between your browser and the website is encrypted, although it does not guarantee that the website itself is legitimate.\u003Cbr>\u003C/p>\r\n\u003Ch3 dir=\"ltr\">\u003Cstrong>6. Skipping multi-factor authentication\u003C/strong>\u003C/h3>\r\n\u003Cp dir=\"ltr\">Enable multi-factor authentication on your accounts wherever it is available. Multi-factor authentication adds another layer of protection by requiring two or more forms of verification before access is granted. This can help protect your accounts even if someone manages to obtain your password.\u003C/p>\r\n\u003Ch3 dir=\"ltr\">\u003Cstrong>7. Ignoring software updates\u003C/strong>\u003C/h3>\r\n\u003Cp dir=\"ltr\">Keep your software up to date by regularly updating your operating system, web browser, apps and security software. Updates often include security fixes that address vulnerabilities discovered after software has been released. Enabling automatic updates can help ensure that important protections are installed promptly.\u003C/p>\r\n\u003Cp>\u003Cbr>Public Wi-Fi does not have to be something you avoid completely. The key is to be mindful of which network you connect to, how your device is configured and what you do while connected. By taking these precautions, you can enjoy the convenience of public Wi-Fi while reducing your exposure to online threats. Stay connected, but stay cautious.\u003C/p>\r\n\r\n\u003Cp>\u003Cbr>\u003Cbr>\u003C/p>","2026-10-08T11:30:00+02:00","Public Wi-Fi is convenient, but connecting to unfamiliar networks can expose you to security risks. Learn seven simple ways to stay safer when using public Wi-Fi, from checking the network and using a VPN to enabling MFA and keeping your software updated.","live",{"fullName":15,"email":16,"id":17,"photo":18},"Kuli Maidi","kuli.m@afrihost.com","191063",null,[20,24],{"id":21,"title":22,"slug":23},"37525","Tech","tech",{"id":25,"title":26,"slug":27},"37527","Lifehacks","lifehacks",[29],{"card":30,"card2x":34,"large":38,"large2x":43,"small":48,"small2x":53},[31],{"url":32,"width":33,"height":33},"/imager/blogheaderimages/246837/26-09-Using-public-Wi-Fi_-7-security-mistakes-you-need-to-avoid-Header_2026-09-30-185122_bimz_92cad105084368457e52c2ddc8619e83.png",410,[35],{"url":36,"width":37,"height":37},"/imager/blogheaderimages/246837/26-09-Using-public-Wi-Fi_-7-security-mistakes-you-need-to-avoid-Header_2026-09-30-185122_bimz_d24af24f917259fd462e76c73feb2535.png",820,[39],{"url":40,"width":41,"height":42},"/imager/blogheaderimages/246837/26-09-Using-public-Wi-Fi_-7-security-mistakes-you-need-to-avoid-Header_2026-09-30-185122_bimz_3747c9db124320f9ea50238503862733.png",650,440,[44],{"url":45,"width":46,"height":47},"/imager/blogheaderimages/246837/26-09-Using-public-Wi-Fi_-7-security-mistakes-you-need-to-avoid-Header_2026-09-30-185122_bimz_c7a344d1d65eb69351ebdcb8d0d18537.png",1300,880,[49],{"url":50,"width":51,"height":52},"/imager/blogheaderimages/246837/26-09-Using-public-Wi-Fi_-7-security-mistakes-you-need-to-avoid-Header_2026-09-30-185122_bimz_8b62dffe74c5fd495051f288cba61d41.png",360,244,[54],{"url":55,"width":56,"height":57},"/imager/blogheaderimages/246837/26-09-Using-public-Wi-Fi_-7-security-mistakes-you-need-to-avoid-Header_2026-09-30-185122_bimz_b3ca3b38248a896b3ba2b94e94d92271.png",720,488,"Using public Wi-Fi? Learn 7 simple ways to stay safer online, including checking networks, using a VPN, enabling MFA and keeping software updated.",[60],{"id":61,"url":62},"246838","/uploads/blog/seo-images/26-09-Using-public-Wi-Fi_-7-security-mistakes-you-need-to-avoid-OG_2026-09-30-185137_cglm.png","7 Public Wi-Fi Safety Tips to Stay Secure Online",{"categories":65},[66,68,73,75,79],{"id":21,"title":22,"description":67,"slug":23},"If it wasn't for tech, where would we be? Read up on the latest gadgets, devices and everything in the tech we found interesting",{"id":69,"title":70,"description":71,"slug":72},"37526","Entertainment","Whether it be movies, TV shows, music or gaming the internet has so much to offer. Get the latest on what we've stumbled upon.","entertainment",{"id":25,"title":26,"description":74,"slug":27},"Do things faster and smarter! Lifehacks are all about the shortcuts that make life soooo much easier!",{"id":76,"title":77,"description":74,"slug":78},"37528","LOL","lol",{"id":80,"title":81,"description":82,"slug":83},"37529","Afrihost Life","Welcome to the family! See what we do behind the scenes. The good, bad, ugly, weird and funny.","afrihost-life",1791461941278]