Public Wi-Fi in cafés, hotels and airports is convenient, but you may not know who operates the network or who else is connected. A network name can be copied by someone setting up a lookalike hotspot. Treat public Wi-Fi as a convenience, not a trusted private network.
Verify the network
Ask staff for the exact network name and login instructions. Be cautious if several similar networks appear or a pop-up asks for unnecessary personal details. Avoid joining a hotspot just because its name resembles the venue. For sensitive activity, consider switching off Wi-Fi and using mobile data.
Avoid sensitive tasks on unfamiliar networks
Do not access banking or payment services through a link received in a message while connected to an unfamiliar hotspot. If a transaction is urgent, use your bank’s official app and consider mobile data. The Reserve Bank of India advises people to avoid banking through public, open or free networks. A reputable VPN can protect some network traffic, but it does not make phishing links, fake apps or compromised accounts safe.
Adjust device settings
- Turn off automatic connection to open Wi-Fi networks.
- Disable file sharing, nearby sharing or network discovery when not needed.
- Keep your operating system, browser and apps updated.
- Use a screen lock and keep built-in device protections enabled.
- Disconnect after leaving and choose “forget network” if you will not use it again.
Check the website
Look for the correct domain and HTTPS, but remember that HTTPS does not prove a site is legitimate. Scammers can use HTTPS on fake websites. Never ignore a certificate warning or enter passwords on a site opened from an unsolicited link.
Use account protections anywhere
Use unique passwords and enable two-factor authentication for email, banking and social accounts. Do not share OTPs, recovery codes or UPI PINs. Review account activity if you notice unexpected sign-ins or alerts.
If you think information was exposed
Disconnect, change any password entered on a suspicious site and sign out unknown sessions. Contact your bank immediately if you suspect a payment or account compromise. For financial cyber fraud in India, call 1930 and report through cybercrime.gov.in.
For more guidance, read NewsNationOnline’s guide to reporting online fraud in India and visit the official National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal.
Official source
Reserve Bank of India: Safeguards for digital banking
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