Free Wi-Fi at your local café might feel like the ultimate productivity boost: a cosy spot, a good coffee, and a few emails before the day gets going. But that convenience can come with a hidden cost.
If you’re checking emails, uploading documents, or even logging in to your online banking while sipping a latte, there’s one cyber threat you might not see coming: a man-in-the-middle (MitM) attack.
What happens in a coffee shop doesn’t always stay there. Public Wi-Fi is one of the easiest places for cyber criminals to intercept your online activity, and most people have no idea it’s happening.
Key Takeaways:
- Public Wi-Fi can expose your data: Coffee shops and cafés are prime targets for man-in-the-middle attacks.
- Attackers can steal more than you think: From banking logins to personal messages and authentication tokens.
- Simple habits can keep you safe: Using a VPN, avoiding sensitive logins, and double-checking network names dramatically reduce your chances of being compromised.
What is a man-in-the-middle attack?
A MitM attack occurs when a cyber criminal secretly intercepts the communication between you and the website or service you’re trying to access. On unsecured public Wi-Fi, it’s surprisingly simple for an attacker to position themselves between your device and the network.
Once they’re in the middle, they can watch what you’re doing, steal your login details, or even change the data you send or receive.
Why coffee shops and other public Wi-Fi spots are hotspots
No password, no protection
Many public networks don’t use encryption, making it easy for attackers to intercept your traffic.
Lots of foot traffic
Busy spaces give cyber criminals plenty of potential victims to blend in with.
Disguised networks
Hackers can set up fake networks with names like Free_Cafe_Wifi to trick people into connecting.
What can be stolen in a MitM attack?
- Email and social media logins
- Banking and financial information
- Personal messages or sensitive business files
- Authentication tokens and cookies (which can allow account hijacking)
How to avoid a MitM attack
There are some simple steps you can take to safe on public Wi-Fi and make sure you’re not caught out by a MitM attack:
- Use a VPN
- Avoid logging in to sensitive accounts
- Switch to mobile data when possible
- Double-check the network name before connecting
- Turn off auto-connect on your devices
Public Wi-Fi isn’t always risky, but without the right precautions, it can be an open door for attackers. A little awareness goes a long way.
Stay informed and safeguard your personal information.
For more guidance, visit our course catalogue and enrol in the Cyber Wardens training program.
