Government Warns Against Using Public Wi-Fi

The government has issued a stern warning to citizens, advising them to avoid using public Wi-Fi networks for sensitive tasks like financial transactions. While free Wi-Fi at airports, coffee shops, and other public spaces may seem convenient, it poses significant security risks, as many networks are poorly secured, making them vulnerable to hackers and scammers.

The Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) has issued this warning under its ‘Jaagrookta Diwas’ initiative, urging citizens to refrain from banking, shopping, or sharing personal information over public Wi-Fi. CERT-In explained that cybercriminals can easily intercept unsecured connections, leading to potential data theft, financial loss, and identity fraud.

To strengthen digital safety, CERT-In shared safety practices such as avoiding unknown links, using strong passwords, backing up files, and using secure Virtual Private Networks (VPNs). They also warned against simple activities like checking emails or logging into social media on public Wi-Fi without proper security measures.