Types of Cybersecurity Risks and Threats to Personal Data

Insecure Wi-Fi is most often wireless networks without a password, with weak encryption, or inadequate protection in cafes, shopping centers, or other public spaces, and are a serious security risk. Such networks allow attackers to easily connect and access other devices on the same network, without the need for authentication and authorisation.

On unprotected Wi-Fi networks, it is possible to:

• intercept (sniff) network traffic and "eavesdrop" on user activities;

• collect sensitive information such as usernames, passwords, email content, payment information, or VPN network parameters that the user has written in the computer configuration;

• perform man-in-the-middle attacks, manipulating the communication between the user and the server.

Example: 

If a user connects to an open network in a mall and visits websites that do not use HTTPS, an attacker can intercept and analyse the traffic and potentially reveal user information, including passwords.

VPN (Virtual Private Network) is a technology that creates a secure, encrypted tunnel between the user's device and the internet, thereby protecting data from eavesdropping and enabling secure connections, especially when using public networks.

Free VPN to protect:

• ProtonVPN (basic version)

Advice:

Do not enter passwords on public networks or use banking services without a VPN.