Google sends an urgent warning to users: Your bank account may be at risk by connecting to this type WiFi

If you’re the kind of person who jumps on the nearest free WiFi at a café, airport or shopping centre, you might want to think twice before doing it again. Google has just warned millions of users that connecting to public WiFi could put their personal data – and even their bank accounts – in serious danger.

The biggest digital mistake you can make is using public WiFi

It’s almost second nature these days – you sit down with a coffee, open your phone, and automatically connect to the first free network that pops up. What could possibly be wrong? Google has a list of quite a few.

According to the tech giant, public WiFi networks have been a prime hunting ground for cybercriminals. These open connections, available in restaurants, airports, hotels or shopping centres, are used by hundreds or even thousands of people every day – and that’s what makes them so vulnerable.

Hackers can easily create fake WiFi networks that look completely legitimate, often mimicking the name of a nearby café or store. You think that you’re connected to “AirpThe following are some examples of how to uset_Free_WiFi” or “HotelGuestNetwork”You may think you are joining a legitimate website, but it is actually a scam designed to steal personal information.

Once connected, the cybercriminals can watch everything you do online — from the messages you send to the passwords you type. They can sometimes intercept your banking information as you login to your financial applications.

How hackers steal data and money

Google warns many attackers are using a technique called a man-in-the middle attack. This means that they insert themselves secretly between your device, and the WiFi network. From there, they can see and record everything that passes through — including the logins to your bank, email, or social media accounts.

Some take a more deceptive stance by cloning whole websites. If you attempt to access the official website of your bank, you may find yourself redirected to an identical fake page. Once you type in your username and password, it’s game over – the hacker now has full access.

Google reports that these phishing and credentials theft attacks are responsible for 37% of successful security breaches. In other words, they’re not rare – and they’re getting more sophisticated.

Cyber experts warn even seemingly harmless actions such as paying a bill or checking your balance while using a public WiFi network can pose serious risks. One analyst explained that it’s the same as shouting your PIN across a room full of people. “You might get lucky and no one hears it — but why take the chance?”

Google’s Solution: No more passwords

To help protect users, Google is pushing a new security feature called ‘passkeys’ — a safer, password-free way to log in to your accounts.

Instead of typing in a password, sign in with a unique digital code stored on your phone. It is verified via a PIN number, fingerprint or face recognition. What’s the best part? Each passkey is specific to the app or website you are using. This means that even if your account on one site is hacked, all of your other accounts will remain secure.

Google has three main advantages for passkeys:

• Since hackers cannot trick you into disclosing your passwords, they are phishing-proof.
• They’re simple to use — no need to remember long or complex passwords.
• These are more secure because they are automatically generated, and never reused.

This shift towards passwordless technology is part of Google’s wider plan to make online authentication faster, safer and more convenient — especially in situations where using a public WiFi is unavoidable.

What to do if you are using a public WiFi?

Google’s advice on this is very clear: do not use public WiFi to access any personal or financial data. There are still some precautions you should take if there is no alternative.

• Never use a public network to access your account or enter passwords.
• When possible, use your mobile data and/or a VPN (Virtual Private Network).
• Use two-step verification for all your important accounts.
• After each session, log out of all websites and applications.
• Ignore any suspicious networks even if their signal strength or familiarity is high.

Keep your software updated, as these updates include important security patches.

 The convenience of a fast food restaurant is not worth the risk

It’s easy to overlook how vulnerable we are in a world where online activity is as normal as breathing. Google’s warning shows that convenience can have a high price.

That free WiFi at your favourite café might save you a few megabytes of data – but it could also give hackers the keys to your digital life.

Next time you see “Free WiFi”, remember that you could be the product.