5 reasons you should never connect your device to public WiFi

We’ve all been there—chilling at a restaurant, out with your friend, or sitting in a hotel lobby when we spot "Free WiFi Available." The temptation is real, yes I know right? After all, who doesn’t love saving mobile data? But before you hit "Connect," you need to know that public WiFi not always free and can be a hacker’s paradise.

Here’s why you should think twice before connecting your phone or laptop to free WiFi in Ghana (or anywhere in the world).

1. Hackers Can Steal Your Personal Data

Public WiFi is often unsecured, meaning hackers can easily intercept your online activity. If you log into social media, check your bank account, or enter passwords, cybercriminals can steal your login details without you even knowing.

Ever heard of "man-in-the-middle" attacks? This is when hackers position themselves between your device and the internet, monitoring everything you do. Imagine sending mobile money, only for someone to capture your details—scary, right?

2. You Might Connect to a Fake WiFi Network

Hackers can set up fake WiFi hotspots that look legit. For example, you might see “ABC WiFi” at your favourite restuarabt, but it could actually be a trap set by cybercriminals to steal your information.

Once you connect, they can track everything—your passwords, emails, even your Momo transactions. Before connecting, always confirm with the business that the network is legit.

3. Your Device Can Be Infected with Malware

Hackers use public WiFi to spread viruses and malware onto your device. The moment you connect, boom! Your phone or laptop could get infected with spyware or ransomware, putting your personal files, messages, and even mobile banking apps at risk.

Some malware can even lock your files until you pay a ransom—imagine losing all your photos and documents just because you wanted free internet!

4. Cybercriminals Can Hijack Your Accounts

Ever used auto-login on Facebook, Twitter, or Gmail? Well, hackers love that. They can hijack your session, log into your accounts, and start using them as if they were you.

They might send scam messages to your friends, access your emails, or even change your passwords. Worse, if you use the same password for multiple accounts, they could take over everything—your work email, Netflix, and even your bank app.

5. Your Private Conversations Aren’t Private

Do you love gossiping on WhatsApp, sending sensitive work emails, or checking online banking? If you’re on public WiFi, you’re basically on loudspeaker for hackers.

Cybercriminals can spy on your messages, emails, and transactions in real-time. If you’re discussing important business deals or sending confidential information, you might be exposing yourself to identity theft, fraud, or even blackmail.

How to Stay Safe When Using Public WiFi

If you absolutely must use free WiFi, here are a few safety tips:

• Use a VPN – A Virtual Private Network (VPN) encrypts your data and makes it harder for hackers to spy on you.

• Avoid logging into sensitive accounts – No banking, no social media, no online shopping.

• Turn off auto-connect – Make sure your phone doesn’t automatically join random WiFi networks.

• Forget the network after use – Don’t let your device remember and reconnect automatically.

• Use mobile data instead – If possible, stick to your personal networks.

Final Thoughts

Public WiFi might be free, but the risks can cost you a lot more than a few megabytes of data. From stolen passwords to hacked bank accounts, the dangers are real. Stay smart, stay safe, and think twice before connecting!

Would you still use free WiFi after reading this? Share your thoughts in the comments.