The Washington PostThe Washington Post

Is public WiFi safe? We 'compromised' a network to test it.

By Tatum Hunter

26 Sep 2022 · 3 min read

Editor's Note

WaPo tries to justify why it thinks you shouldn't be too worried about public Wi-Fi networks. Hackers can't cause major damage as most legitimate websites are encrypted.

From uncovered webcams to reused passwords, it's tough to keep track of how much risk our everyday digital activities actually pose.

Take WiFi networks in airports and coffee shops. They're part of life for anyone who travels or works remotely. They also have a reputation as cybersecurity risks. Do they still deserve it?

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