This 86-Year-Old Grampa Hacked a Public WiFi in 17 Minutes: Here’s How You Can Protect Your Data

This is both frightening and inspiring at the same time.

It involves an 86-year-old grandpa, who usually spends his time doing crossword puzzles and sipping tea. Yet he recently spent his time doing something a lot more sinister.

In less than 17 minutes, he managed to hack a public WiFi hotspotA hotspot is a way to access the internet through a Wi-Fi connection. It can mean two main things: ... More and create a fake phishingPhishing involves cyber thieves creating fake communications, often appearing as emails from trusted... More scam.

Sounds like something out of a spy movie, right? But this isn’t fiction—this is the real-life story of Alec Daniels, a participant in a scam awareness program run by Spanish bank Santander.

Santander challenged Alec (who knows as much about computers as a goldfish knows about mountain climbing) to create a pretend mobile phishing attack and hack a WiFi network.

With a bit of guidance from a network security professional and some online tools, Alec completed the task in a jaw-dropping 16 minutes and 40 seconds.

Chris Ainsley, head of fraud strategy at Santander UK, highlighted that this experiment shows just how easy it is for criminals to launch phishing attacks and hack WiFi hotspots.

“We’ve seen the devastating results that fraud and scams can have on our customers and how much damage can be done if hackers get hold of even a small amount of personal detail,” he said.

If Alec, with no prior knowledge of hacking, could pull this off, imagine what seasoned scammers can do!

This eye-opening story is a stark reminder of the importance of understanding the risks of public WiFi and learning how to protect ourselves.

So, let’s dive into what public WiFi is and why it’s not always as friendly as it seems.

What is Public WiFi?

Public WiFi is exactly what it sounds like: WiFi that’s available to the public.

You can find it in all sorts of places—coffee shops, libraries, airports, hotels, even at the dentist’s office (because nothing says comfort like browsing the web while waiting for a root canal).

These networks are open for anyone to use, which is super convenient when you need to check your email, stream a cat video, or brag about your amazing latte art skills on social mediaSocial media refers to online platforms and websites that enable users to create, share, and interac... More.

But, like all things that seem too good to be true, there’s a catch. And that catch is…

The Risks of Public WiFi

Now, before you start surfing the web willy-nilly on public WiFi, there are a few things you should know. While it’s great to have free internetThe Internet is a vast network of computers and other electronic devices connected globally, allowin... More access, public WiFi can be about as secure as a paper bag in a rainstorm.

The short version is using a Public WiFi makes you more vulnerable to:

• MalwareMalware, short for malicious software, encompasses a variety of harmful programs designed to infiltr... More
• Data breaches
• Cyberattacks
• Snooping of your sensitive information
• Tracking what websites, etc. you visit
• And more

Here’s the longer version:

First off, when you’re using public WiFi, you’re sharing that network with a bunch of strangers. It’s like being in a crowded elevator where everyone’s breathing the same air, except instead of air, it’s data.

And some of those strangers might not have the best intentions. Hackers can easily intercept the data you’re sending and receiving, which means they can snoop on your online activities.

Yes, it’s as creepy as it sounds.

Imagine you’re sending an emailEmail, or electronic mail, is a digital communication tool that allows users to send and receive mes... More to your grandkid with your bank account details because they promised to help you set up online banking. If you’re on public WiFi, a hacker could potentially steal that information right out of the digital air.

It’s like having someone read over your shoulder, except they’re invisible and really good at stealing.

Then there’s the risk of fake WiFi networks. Sometimes, a hacker will set up a network with a name that looks legit—something like “FreeCoffeeShopWiFi” or “LibraryGuest”—and when you connect to it, they can see everything you’re doing online.

To add another layer of fun (not), public WiFi often isn’t encrypted. EncryptionEncryption is a way to protect sensitive data by turning it into unreadable code using complex math.... More is like a secret code that protects your data as it travels from your device to the internet. Without it, your data is just out there, floating around like a postcard that anyone can read.

Bottom line here:

Public WiFi is convenient and can be a lifesaver when you’re out and about, but it comes with significant privacy and security risks.

The good news is there are things you can do to protect your device and personal data. Let’s take a look at these things next.

Tips for Using Public WiFi Safely

Alright, now that we’ve scared you sufficiently about the dangers of public WiFi, let’s talk about how you can use it without feeling like you’re in a high-stakes game of digital dodgeball.

Here are some easy tips to help you stay safe and keep those pesky hackers at bay.

Verify the Network is Legitimate

Before you connect to any public WiFi, make sure it’s the real deal. Ask an employee for the exact name of the network.

Hackers often set up fake networks with similar names to trick you into connecting. It’s like the difference between “CoffeeShop_WiFi” and “Coffee_Shop_WiFi”—a small but crucial detail.

Use a VPN (Virtual Private Network)

Think of a VPN as your personal invisibility cloak. It encrypts your internet connection, making it much harder for hackers to see what you’re doing online. (Get an intro to VPNs including: why to use one, how to use one and which one to use, here.)

There are plenty of user-friendly VPN services out there, and they’re a great investment in your online safety. Plus, it makes you feel like a secret agent, which is always a bonus.

Avoid Accessing Sensitive Information

If you can, avoid logging into your bank account or shopping online while on public WiFi.

It’s like doing your taxes in the middle of a crowded park—just don’t do it. Save those activities for when you’re on a secure, private network.

Use HTTPS

When you’re browsing the web, look for sites that start with “https” instead of just “httpHTTP, short for Hypertext Transfer Protocol, is the standard protocol used for communication on the ... More.” That little “s” stands for “secure,” and it means that the websiteA website is a collection of interconnected web pages or digital content that are accessible via the... More is encrypting your data.

It’s not a foolproof solution, but it’s better than nothing.

Turn Off Sharing

Your laptop or phone might have sharing features turned on by defaultDefault refers to the pre-set option or setting that is automatically chosen if no alternative is sp... More, which is great when you’re at home but not so much when you’re in a coffee shop.

Turn off file sharing, printer sharing, and anything else that might let other people on the network access your device.

Keep Your Software Updated

Yes, those annoying software update notifications are actually important.

Keeping your operating systemAn operating system (OS) is software that manages computer hardware and provides a platform for runn... More and apps up to date ensures that you have the latest security patches, which can protect you from hackers looking to exploit old vulnerabilities.

Use Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Two-factor authentication is like having a second lock on your door. Even if someone gets your passwordA password is a string of characters used to verify the identity of a user during the authentication... More, they’ll need a second piece of information (like a code sent to your phone) to get in.

It’s an extra step, but it adds a valuable layer of security. You can learn all about 2FA in this article.

Forget the Network

When you’re done using a public WiFi network, go into your device’s settings and forget the network.

This way, your device won’t automatically reconnect to it in the future without your knowledge.

Turn Off WiFi When Not in Use

If you’re not actively using the internet, turn off your WiFi.

It’s a simple step, but it can prevent your device from connecting to risky networks without you realizing it.

Use Your Phone’s Hotspot

For an extra layer of security, consider using your phone’s mobile hotspot instead of public WiFi.

It’s more secure and, as a bonus, it’s always available as long as you have cell service. Just keep an eye on your data usage to avoid any nasty surprises on your bill.

Use Antivirus Software

Antivirus softwareAntivirus software acts as a digital shield for your computer and other devices, safeguarding them a... More is like having a bouncer for your computer. It can detect and block malware, keeping your device safe from malicious attacks.

Make sure you have a reputable antivirus program installed and keep it updated.

May Your WiFi Always Be Safe and Speedy!

Well, dear readers, now you know the secrets to staying safe on public WiFi! Think of yourself as a digital ninja—sneaky, secure, and always one step ahead of those pesky hackers.

With a bit of caution and some handy tech tricks up your sleeve, you can browse away with confidence. So next time you’re enjoying your latte, you can focus on the foam art instead of worrying about your online security.

Stay savvy, and may your WiFi always be safe and speedy!