Public Wi-Fi: handy, but not without precautions

An open Wi-Fi network, with no password, is handy but poorly protected. On this kind of network, badly secured data can be intercepted. That doesn't mean you must avoid it, just use it wisely.

What's best avoided

On public Wi-Fi, avoid sensitive actions: logging into your bank, buying things with your card, entering very personal info. Keep that for your home network or your mobile data, which are safer.

Check that the sites you visit show the little padlock and an address starting with 'https'. Turn off automatic sharing and forget the network once you're done, so you don't reconnect to it by accident.

Good old mobile data

When in doubt about an open network, your mobile data is often the safest choice for a sensitive action. And be wary of networks with suspiciously tempting names: some are traps set on purpose.