Everyone loves the words “Free WiFi.” Whether you are waiting for a train at a busy railway station, sipping chai at a cafe in Bengaluru, or sitting in an airport lounge in Delhi, connecting to a free network feels like a lifesaver. It saves mobile data and helps you work on the go.
But have you ever stopped to think: Is it actually safe?
Recent reports from India’s cyber security agency, CERT-In, and various police departments suggest that free public WiFi is one of the easiest ways for hackers to steal your money and private data.
This article explains the real risks of public WiFi in India, recent government warnings, and simple steps to protect yourself.
What is the Current Situation?
India is digitalizing fast. Under government schemes like PM-WANI (Prime Minister’s Wi-Fi Access Network Interface), millions of public WiFi hotspots are being set up across the country to provide internet to everyone. You can find these at tea stalls, parks, and local shops.
However, as access grows, so does cybercrime. In late 2025 and early 2026, the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) issued strong advisories. They warned citizens not to perform sensitive activities—like net banking, UPI payments, or logging into office servers—while connected to public networks.
Cyber police in cities like Bengaluru and Hyderabad have also reported cases where people lost lakhs of rupees. In these scams, victims connected to what they thought was “Hotel WiFi,” only to have their phones hacked by cybercriminals sitting nearby.
The Major Risks: Why Public WiFi Can Be Dangerous
Public WiFi networks are often “open.” This means data travels through the air without strong locks (encryption). Here is what can happen when you connect:
1. Fake Hotspots (The “Evil Twin” Attack)
This is a very common trick in India. Hackers set up a fake WiFi network with a name that looks real.
- Real Network: “Starbucks_Guest”
- Fake Network: “Starbucks_Free_WiFi” If you connect to the fake one, the hacker controls your connection. They can see everything you do—your passwords, emails, and photos.
2. Data Theft (Man-in-the-Middle)
When you use an unsecured network, a hacker can place themselves between your phone and the internet. It is like someone reading your letter before the postman delivers it. They can intercept OTPs, credit card numbers, and login details.
3. Malware Distribution
Hackers can use public WiFi to slip viruses or spyware onto your phone or laptop. Once installed, this software can track your keystrokes (recording what you type) even after you disconnect from the WiFi.
Why This Matters Now
The risks are higher today because our phones are our banks. In the past, we only used WiFi for browsing. Today, we use UPI apps (PhonePe, GPay, Paytm) and mobile banking apps multiple times a day.
- Financial Loss: A single intercepted banking password can empty your savings.
- Identity Theft: Hackers can steal your Aadhaar details or PAN information to take out loans in your name.
- Privacy Leaks: Private photos and chats can be stolen and used for blackmail.
How to Stay Safe: 5 Simple Rules
You do not have to stop using public WiFi completely, but you must be smart about it.
1. Never Do Banking on Public WiFi
This is the golden rule. If you need to pay a bill, check your bank balance, or send money via UPI, disconnect from WiFi and use your mobile data (4G/5G). Mobile data is much more secure.
2. Verify the Network Name
Ask the shop or hotel staff for the exact WiFi name. Do not just click on the first open network you see. If you see two networks with similar names, do not connect to either until you confirm which one is real.
3. Use a VPN (Virtual Private Network)
A VPN is an app that creates a secure tunnel for your internet. It hides your data from hackers on the same WiFi network. There are many free and paid VPN apps available in India. Using one makes public WiFi much safer.
4. Turn Off “Auto-Connect”
Your phone is constantly looking for known WiFi networks. If you have “Auto-Connect” on, your phone might accidentally connect to a hacker’s fake network without you knowing. Go to your phone settings and turn this feature off for public networks.
5. Look for “HTTPS”
When browsing websites, look for the lock symbol in the address bar and ensure the website address starts with https://. This means the communication between you and the website is encrypted.
What Happens Next?
The Indian government is working on making public internet safer. The PM-WANI scheme includes security protocols, but implementation varies by provider.
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In the future, we may see stricter laws requiring public WiFi providers to use better encryption. Until then, the responsibility lies with the user. Cyber experts predict that as 5G becomes cheaper and more unlimited, the need for public WiFi may decrease, but for now, it remains a popular target for scammers
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I use WhatsApp on public WiFi? Yes, WhatsApp messages are “end-to-end encrypted.” This means hackers cannot easily read your messages. However, they might still be able to see that you are using WhatsApp or collect other data from your phone background apps.
Q2: Is the free WiFi at Indian Railway stations safe? RailWire WiFi (provided by Google/RailTel) is generally safer than random open networks because it requires an OTP login. However, it is still a public network. Avoid banking or heavy downloads on it.
Q3: How do I know if my phone has been hacked via WiFi? Signs include your phone battery draining very fast, the phone getting hot when not in use, or pop-up ads appearing on your screen. If this happens, disconnect immediately and run an antivirus scan.
Q4: Is it safe to use a password-protected public WiFi? It is safer than an open network, but not 100% secure. If the hacker has the password (which is often written on a cafe menu), they can still try to spy on other users connected to the same network.
Q5: What should I do if I accidentally used banking apps on public WiFi? Change your banking password immediately using a secure connection (mobile data). Check your bank statement for any suspicious transactions and report them to your bank right away.
