You’re at your favorite coffee shop, casually browsing the web on free Wi-Fi. It’s all good—until, days later, you check your bank balance and find someone has been using your money.

Yes, using unsecured Wi-Fi is like leaving your front door wide open to thieves.

What’s the Deal with Unsecured Wi-Fi?

Unsecured Wi-Fi is any network that doesn’t ask for a password or uses weak security. You’ve seen it everywhere—from hotels to airports and even “Free Wi-Fi” networks sponsored by local municipalities.  When you connect to these networks, your data is out in the open, waiting to be snatched.

Here’s How Unsecured Wi-Fi Can Mess You Up

1. Data Snatching: Ever heard of packet sniffers? Hackers use “packet sniffing” tools to grab whatever data you’re sending over the network. So, when you’re checking your bank account or typing in your credit card info at the coffee shop, you might be handing your personal data over on a silver platter.
2. Man-in-the-Middle Attacks: Hackers can slide right between you and a website, altering what you see, and potentially rerouting you to a fake site. It’s like sending a text to your friend, but a hacker edits the message before it gets delivered.
3. Fake Wi-Fi Hotspots: Hackers set up fake Wi-Fi networks that look just like the real thing. You might think you’re connecting to “FreeBestCoffeeWiFi,” but it’s actually “BestCoffeeFreeWiFi123” run by some cyber-criminal lurking in the corner. Once you’re in, they can watch everything you do online. If you log in to your INB online banking, they’ve got your info.
4. Malware Galore: Unsecured networks can also spread very quickly. Hackers exploit network weaknesses to install junk on your device, like keyloggers that track every keystroke you make. So next time you enter your bank password, guess what? They’re writing it down too.

The Fallout: Why You Should Care

Getting hacked on public Wi-Fi isn’t just a hassle—it can totally mess up your life. Cybercriminals could empty your accounts, run up your credit card, or even steal your identity. Fixing the mess can take months, not to mention all the stress and potential financial loss.

Play It Safe; Avoid the Drama

Here are some quick tips on how to avoid this drama:

1. Skip Public Wi-Fi for Sensitive Activities: Seriously, just don’t do it. Save your banking for when you’re on a secure network, like your home Wi-Fi or mobile data.
2. Get a VPN: A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is like your personal invisibility cloak for the internet. It encrypts your data, making it harder for hackers — even on public Wi-Fi.
3. Turn on Two-Factor Authentication: Adding two-factor authentication to your bank account is like putting a lock on your door and having a guard dog, too. It’s extra security that sends a code to your phone, making it tougher for hackers to get in. All INB customers are required to use two-factor authentication while using INB’s digital banking. 
4. Keep Your Devices Up-to-date: Use this quick and easy tip: Regularly update your phone, apps, and browsers to patch security holes that hackers have learned to exploit.

Bottom Line

Public Wi-Fi might be convenient, but it’s not worth the risk when it comes to your money.