What are the dangers of using public Wi-Fi?

Public Wi-Fi networks pose significant security risks primarily because they are often lacking in encryption and adequate protections. This absence of security measures opens the door for potential eavesdroppers to intercept communications, allowing malicious actors to access sensitive information transmitted over the network, such as passwords, personal data, and financial information. In many public settings, these networks are not monitored, and there's usually little-to-no authentication process, making it easier for cybercriminals to conduct their activities undetected.

In contrast, while speed can sometimes differ across various public and private networks, this is not inherently a problem tied to the nature of the network itself. Additionally, many public Wi-Fi networks do not require passwords, and it's common for them to be open or utilize simple, easy-to-guess credentials. The idea that public Wi-Fi improves connection speed universally is not accurate, as individual user experiences can vary based on network congestion, signal strength, and the number of devices connected.