Cybersecurity professionals are urging the public to avoid entering bank card details while connected to public Wi-Fi networks, citing a growing risk of financial fraud and data theft.
According to experts, public Wi-Fi hotspots commonly found in airports, hotels, cafes, and shopping centers are often unsecured, making it easier for cybercriminals to intercept sensitive information such as card numbers, expiry dates, and CVV codes. Once intercepted, this data can be used to carry out unauthorized transactions.
“Many users assume that because they are on well-known platforms like Meta Platforms or Google, their transactions are automatically safe,” a cybersecurity analyst explained. “While these companies use strong encryption, the risk comes from the network itself. Attackers can position themselves between you and the website, capturing your data without your knowledge.”
A common tactic used by hackers is the creation of fake Wi-Fi hotspots that mimic legitimate networks. Unsuspecting users who connect to these networks may unknowingly expose their financial information. In other cases, attackers exploit weakly secured networks to monitor traffic and extract sensitive details.
Payment systems linked to global networks like Mastercard remain secure in design, but experts stress that user behavior plays a critical role in overall safety.
“Even the most secure payment systems can be compromised if users enter their details over unsafe connections,” the analyst added.
To reduce risk, the public is advised to:
- Avoid making financial transactions over public Wi-Fi
- Use mobile data or trusted private networks instead
- Enable two-factor authentication on financial and social media accounts
- Monitor bank alerts for any suspicious activity
- Consider using virtual or limited-balance cards for online payments
Financial institutions also recommend regularly reviewing transaction histories and reporting any unauthorized charges immediately.
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