The Prime Minister Wi-Fi Use Network Interface (PM-WANI) initiative, announced by the government earlier this year, intends to provide free Wi-Fi in public places around the country, allowing citizens to access the internet while traveling. But is using public Wi-Fi genuinely safe?
Public Wi-Fi is available everywhere, from espresso shops to railway stations to airports, but did you realize that connecting to it can put your data at risk? Many consumers find public Wi-Fi networks convenient since they provide free access and allow their devices to join automatically. However, these networks, particularly open networks, pose security and privacy problems.
In August of this year, a report indicated that Bengaluru residents lost Rs 845 crore to hackers in the first six months of 2024. Among the reported events, debit and credit debit card theft were the most common, accounting for 1,485 of the overall 9,260 cases. Most victims said they used Wi-Fi in hotels, lounges, and other public places before making online purchases.
According to clinical dietician Malvvika Fulwwani, a frequent user of public Wi-Fi, “I have experienced strange events on my phone a couple of times while using public Wi-Fi.” Fulwwani reported that while using a public network, she saw an increase in pop-up adverts, and her phone occasionally slowed down significantly.