Using public Wi-Fi safely

KEEP YOUR BUSINESS SAFE AND SECURE

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Introduction 1. Types of public Wi-Fi 2. Identify the risks 3. Tips for using public Wi-Fi

Introduction to 'Using public Wi-Fi safely'

You’re meeting a friend at your local café. While you wait for them, you decide to catch up with a few things on your phone. In two taps, you’ve joined the café’s Wi-Fi and off you go. You check your emails, pay a bill and are just browsing your favourite shopping site when your friend arrives.

The café offers free high-speed Wi-Fi − like so many other public spaces nowadays. With it, we can stay connected when we’re out and about. But it does have some risks.

In this lesson, we’ll help you to understand the types of free Wi-Fi available. We’ll show you the risks of using them and how you can manage these risks.

What you'll learn

  • The different types of public Wi-Fi.
  • What to look out for.
  • How to use it safely.

How long it takes

6 minutes

Chapter 1 - Types of public Wi-Fi

Types of public Wi-Fi

Chapter 1

How long it takes

1 minute

The two types

Not all public Wi-Fi networks are the same. Let’s look at the two main types.

Secured

This type of Wi-Fi network is like what you’d have at home. Before you connect, you need a password or to sign up with details such as your email address. There’s likely to be a ‘terms and conditions’ box to tick. You might have to pay for this type of Wi-Fi or maybe buy something before using it. Sometimes you’ll find the password on your receipt.

When you use this kind of Wi-Fi, your data is encrypted. This means it scrambles your data, making it harder for someone to see your information without permission.

Unsecured

This type of Wi-Fi is just as it sounds, unsecure. There’s no password protection and you probably won’t need to log in. All you do is pick the name of the Wi-Fi network in your device settings, and that’s it.

Your data is unlikely to be encrypted. This means that anyone else on the same network can see the information you’re sending and receiving.

Comparing these in the café

Using an unsecure Wi-Fi network is often very quick and easy. No password to think of, no ‘Terms and Conditions’ box to tick.

 

But, this can mean that:

  • When you read your emails, others could access your email account.
  • When you pay your bills, someone could see your bank details.

So secured Wi-Fi is best. But you might not have that option − maybe the café’s Wi-Fi has no password. Plus, even secured Wi-Fi has some risks. In the next chapter, we’ll talk about what to check, and how to reduce these risks.

Introduction - Using public Wi-Fi safely
Chapter 2 - Identify the risks

Identify the risks

Chapter 2

How long it takes

3 minutes

What to be aware of

Be aware of who can spy on you

When you’re on your devices in public, there’s always a risk of people using this to spy on you and your information. They might look at your screen. There’s also software that lets people spy on you while they’re on the same Wi-Fi as you. It’s called ‘Spyware’. They can use it to steal your details (like personal or bank details).

Be aware of other software

Not only can others see what you do online using software, they can also use it to harm your device. This ‘malware’ can help them use Wi-Fi networks to transfer code that will cause damage. As an example, you might get asked to install an update on your device. When you follow that link, it downloads the malware onto your device.

Be aware of networks that aren't genuine

Anyone can create a network connection. So, people can use this to create connections that look like free Wi-Fi. When you connect to them, they get access to your device. They might have names like ‘Free airport Wi-Fi’, or the name of the café you are in. So you join, thinking you’re on the right Wi-Fi. Instead, you’re on a hotspot set up by someone trying to trick you.

What to look for

Now you know the risks, let’s look at how to spot them.

Who does the network belong to?

Always check the name of the network you’re connecting to. Try to use networks you recognise, such as Starbucks, BT, etc. If you’re in an independent shop or café, ask a member of staff for the Wi-Fi details. Valid networks will ask for a password.

You may need to type in some login information, such as email address. Don’t give out any information if you don’t feel comfortable. Think the login page doesn’t look right or is asking for unnecessary information? Check with a member of staff that you’re on the right network. If in doubt, just disconnect.

What information are you sharing?

Never access or enter personal information such as your bank account or email account. And avoid shopping online.

This is especially important if you’re using unsecured Wi-Fi. But even secured networks are not always 100% safe.

Can you encrypt to keep safe?

Earlier, we talked about secure Wi-Fi using ‘encryption’. This scrambling of data makes it harder for others to access your information. But you can encrypt your data yourself, by using something called a VPN.

A VPN (or Virtual Private Network) helps keep your data safe when you’re using public Wi-Fi. So even if you’re using the same public Wi-Fi hotspot as others, they won’t be able to see your data. There are lots of smartphone apps that do this, both free and paid for. Do your research to pick the one that works best for you. How to get started?This Which? guide may be able to help.

Is it safer to use your phone data?

Sometimes we use public Wi-Fi to save our data. But we often don’t use the data allowance that we’ve already paid for. When we use 4G or 5G networks, it’s a lot more secure than public Wi-Fi.

So think about switching off Wi-Fi and making the most of your data. If you’re just browsing the internet or using social media, this often works well. But be aware that streaming movies and joining long video calls can drain your data quickly. Always check your phone contract to see what your allowance is, and the charges for going over this.

Chapter 1 - Types of public Wi-Fi
Chapter 3 - Tips for using public Wi-Fi

Tips for using public Wi-Fi

Chapter 3

How long it takes

2 minutes

Staying safe − our top tips

 

Here are some tips to help you stay safe when using public WiFi:

Connect to a secured network if possible

These may ask you to set up an account or type in a password. 

Think about using a VPN

Especially if you need to use an unsecured network.

Don't access personal information

That’s any info you wouldn’t share with others. For instance, bank account details, passwords and payment details when you’re shopping online.

Keep your device with you

This avoids the risk of theft, or someone looking at what’s on it.

Turn off auto-connect

This makes sure that your device will only connect to a public network if you tell it to do so.

Try using your phone data

4G and 5G connections are fast and more secure than using public Wi-Fi networks.

Remember

Using a secure Wi-Fi connection doesn’t make your phone or laptop 100% safe. Keep your security software up-to-date and don’t forget to apply security updates when they become available. Older phones can be less secure − this article can help you check yours.

Test your knowledge

Try again - that's not quite right!

Hint: it's good to check for the most secure Wi-Fi.

Try again

That's right!

The café staff will be able to confirm the network name so you know you're on the right Wi-Fi. And knowing that there's a password tells you it's more secure.

Related learning links

Introduction to online safety

Go to lesson

Ten tips for staying safe online

View lesson

Get Safe Online

Wireless Networks and Hotspots

Go to Get Safe Online Opens in a new tab
Chapter 2 - Identify the risks

Want to learn more?

There are many more lessons to help you keep your business safe and secure.

Go to this topic Keep your business safe and secure

 

Lloyds Bank Academy is committed to providing information in a way that is accessible and useful for our users. This information, however, is not in any way intended to amount to authority or advice on which reliance should be placed. You should seek professional advice as appropriate and required. Any sites, products or services named in this module are just examples of what's available. Lloyds Bank does not endorse the services they provide. The information in this module was last updated on 20th October 2025.

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