Public Wi-Fi risks for Windows users
Public Wi-Fi is convenient, but you don't know who else is on the network or who set it up. A laptop can be more exposed than a phone, so a few settings are worth checking.
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Set the network to Public
When Windows asks whether a network is Private or Public, choose Public for any network you don't control. This tightens the firewall and hides your PC from others on the network.
Turn off auto-connect
Your PC may reconnect automatically to networks it has seen before, which attackers can imitate. In Settings > Network & internet > Wi-Fi, review saved networks and turn off automatic connection for public ones.
Be careful what you do
On an untrusted network, avoid banking and other sensitive logins unless you're using a VPN. If you need to do something sensitive, your phone's mobile data is usually safer than open Wi-Fi.
The simple habit
Only connect to networks you have a reason to trust, choose Public when you do, and switch Wi-Fi off when you're not using it. Small habits, real protection.
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