Public Wi-Fi Safety Rules for Everyday Users

January 5, 2026 By Janne Smith No Comments 6 minutes

We live at a time where everything we do, professional or otherwise, revolves around the internet. And this need for individuals to remain connected and informed has led to businesses, such as restaurants, hotels, and cafes, offering free public Wi-Fis.

But while these facilities may not charge a fee for you to access the web, these ‘free networks’ often come at a cost. You may not know this, but the security risks surrounding public Wi-Fi networks have increased significantly in the recent past, leading to all kinds of data breaches.

Businesses and everyday users are now faced with an ever-increasing need to safeguard their connections and to educate the public on how to stay safe when online. Read on to learn the public Wi-Fi safety rules for everyday users. 

Note: Public Wi-Fi is often easy for hackers to intercept. We recommend connecting to FastestVPN when you use the public WiFi. The VPN reroutes your network traffic through an encrypted tunnel, ensuring zero third-party interceptions. 

Travel-Ready Connectivity With a Holafly Esim

Using the Holafly travel eSIM in Turkey is the simplest and most reliable way to stay connected when visiting Istanbul. With it, you get a digital card instead of a physical one, and you’re assured that you’ll be able to access the internet as soon as you land. For this, be sure to activate it before leaving.

What to Do Before Your Turkish Trip

Before you leave for the airport, take a moment to confirm that your smartphone is eSIM compatible. A few quick checks before departure can save you unwanted stress when you land. These checks will help confirm that the eSIM is working as it should. 

Some of the things you must check before your departure are:

• Confirm that your particular phone model is eSIM compatible. This check is vital as not all smartphones in circulation at the moment are compatible.
• Check whether it has been unlocked to use an international eSIM. Some manufacturers are known to georestrict certain models, which can then complicate the eSIM installation process.
• Discover how to use your eSIM together with your physical SIM card, if using a dual SIM phone. While at it, research on how to keep your local SIM active while in Turkey.

Using Your eSim in Turkey

Knowing how to activate your eSIM, check your data allocation and share your internet connection can make it easy to use an eSIM. To get the most out of your eSIM, consider the following tips:

• Only activate the eSIM after landing in Turkey.
• Hotspot your friends to make sure no one feels left out.
• Monitor your usage to stay in control of your allotted data.
• Top up at any time using the app or web portal. 

The 60-Second “Is This Wi-Fi Legit?” Checklist

Whether visiting Turkey for business or pleasure, the chances are that you’ll need to use a public Wi-Fi connection at some point. The problem is that most of these networks are unprotected, which makes them susceptible to hacks. Hackers even set up some hotspots for this specific purpose.

If you ever find yourself in a situation where you must use a public connection, make sure to protect yourself by downloading a VPN. A good VPN can help safeguard your files and your browsing session. 

Besides using a VPN, you can use these tips to determine if a network is secure:

• Check for networks that have vague names, e.g., “Free Airport Wi-Fi.”
• The Wi-Fi has a name similar to another network in the same area.
• It lacks an opt-in page.
• You’re being asked to install something before using the network.

What Hackers Can Do on Open Networks

Hackers can steal passwords and financial data on open networks by deploying spyware or using sophisticated Man-in-the-Middle attacks. They can also use pop-ups and fake hotspots to set up “evil twin” networks and perform session hijacking. All this can lead to financial loss and identity theft.

Some of the most common hacker tactics on such networks include:

• Phishing
• Malware distribution
• Packet sniffing
• Session hijacking

To prevent device compromise, consider using a reputable VPN. 

Safe Browsing Habits That Actually Matter, HTTPS, Logins, MFA

Studies show that the average person spends close to seven hours online daily, with many encountering all kinds of frustrations. Common recurring themes include a lack of website compatibility, malicious software, and the threats posed by unsecured public Wi-Fis. 

Fortunately, you can use several tricks to stay safe while browsing the web. Some of the top tips, as provided by the National Cyber Security Center, include:

• Pay attention to the website URL: It’s possible to tell if a website is providing a secure connection by paying attention to its URL. A URL that starts with “HTTP” indicates it’s not secure. You should choose “HTTPS” over “HTTP.”
• Activate 2FA: Enabling two-factor authentication helps add a layer of security as it requires a second form of verification whenever you need to login. Remember to use a combination of upper and lower case letters and numbers when creating your password.
• Keep your browser up to date: These often include patches meant to fix security vulnerabilities. Making sure your browser is up to date at all times can be crucial to maintaining security. 

Quick Fixes on iPhone/Android, Auto-Join, Sharing, Hotspot Settings

The ability to autojoin a hotspot or Wi-Fi network was intended to be a convenience. But as mobile and Wi-Fi use has exploded in the past decade, this has proven to be a security threat. To prevent your Android or iPhone from auto-joining public Wi-Fis, follow the steps below:

On iPhones

• Go to settings and click on Wi-Fi.
• Tap on the small (i) located next to the name of the network.
• Turn off the switch.

On Android Phones

The exact sequence for deactivating this feature can depend on your device model and Android version. Often, all you’ve to do is:

• Head to the settings page and click on Network and Internet.
• Tap on Wi-Fi, then Wi-Fi preferences.
• Click on the toggle switch in the Connect to public networks section. 

Final Note

Public WiFi may be convenient, but it’s not safe. These networks are often unsecured and may be vulnerable to hacking. We recommend using a reliable VPN before connecting to a Public WiFi. The VPN reroutes your network traffic through an encrypted tunnel, ensuring zero network interception threats.