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Google Warns Public Wi-Fi Poses Serious Cybersecurity Risks
11 Nov
Summary
- Google advises avoiding public Wi-Fi due to security vulnerabilities
- Hackers can intercept data transmitted over unencrypted public networks
- Experts recommend using VPNs, visiting secure websites, or switching to mobile data
In October 2025, Google issued a strong warning to smartphone users about the dangers of using public Wi-Fi networks. The tech giant stressed that these networks can be "unencrypted and easily exploited by attackers," potentially compromising the safety of any data transmitted over them.
Cybersecurity experts largely agree with Google's assessment. Dr. Manny Niri, a senior lecturer at Oxford Brookes University, explained that public Wi-Fi networks often lack encryption, allowing hackers on the same network to intercept users' online activities, including sensitive information like banking credentials and personal messages.
To mitigate these risks, Google and other security professionals recommend that people avoid using public Wi-Fi whenever possible. Instead, they advise using a virtual private network (VPN), visiting only secure websites, or switching to mobile data, which is generally more secure than open Wi-Fi hotspots.
