What is a Man-in-the-Middle Attack?
Imagine sending a letter to your bank, but someone secretly opens it, reads it, and then sends it along. That's what happens in this attack.
An attacker positions themselves between you and the website
They can see everything you send - passwords, messages, bank details
They can even change your messages before passing them on
⚠️ Warning: You often won't know an attack is happening. Everything looks normal while your data is being stolen.
Normal secure connection
🔒 Password: ****
👁 Password: secret123
There is Always a Risk with Public WiFi
Free WiFi at coffee shops, airports, and hotels is convenient - but it's also where attacks commonly happen.
Fake hotspots: Attackers create WiFi with names like "CoffeeShop_Free"
Network snooping: Others on the same network may see your traffic
What they steal: Login credentials, emails, banking info
☕ Remember: Just because WiFi is available doesn't mean it's safe. Be cautious with ANY public network.
You're at a coffee shop...
Connecting to WiFi...
📡 Fake hotspot!
🔓 Reading your data...
A Password Does NOT Mean It's Safe
Many people think if a WiFi network has a password, it must be secure. This is not true.
Attackers can copy passwords: The café password on the wall? A hacker can use it too
Attackers can make cards: They might hand out cards with "their" WiFi password
Genuine networks get hacked: Even the real café WiFi could be compromised
🔓 Key Message: Having a password does NOT mean a network is authentic or secure. All public WiFi carries risk.
Two networks with the same password...
✓ Genuine network
⚠️ Fake - same password!
Both have passwords!
How to Protect Yourself
The good news: encryption scrambles your data so attackers can only see gibberish. Watch how it works below!
Make sure websites use HTTPS: Your browser will warn you if a connection is not secure
Use a VPN: Creates an encrypted tunnel - attackers see only scrambled data
Avoid sensitive tasks on public WiFi: Or use your mobile data instead
✅ Watch below: See how your password gets scrambled so attackers can't read it!
Your data is protected with encryption
🛡️ Turn on VPN
🔒 ENCRYPTED TUNNEL
📄 Password: MySecret123
🔐 x7$mK9#pL2@qR!
📄 Password: MySecret123
❓ Can't read: x7$mK9#...
✅ Bank receives password
📋 Safety Tips Summary
Here are all the key tips to remember when using public WiFi and the internet:
🚨 The Dangers
Attackers can position themselves between you and websites to steal your data
Fake WiFi hotspots can look identical to real ones - same name and password
A WiFi password does NOT mean the network is safe or genuine
✅ How to Stay Safe
Make sure websites use HTTPS: Your browser will warn you if a connection is not secure
Use a VPN: It creates an encrypted tunnel so attackers only see scrambled gibberish
Use mobile data for sensitive tasks: Your phone's data connection is generally safer than public WiFi
Avoid banking on public WiFi: Wait until you're on a trusted network
Ask staff for the real WiFi name: Don't just pick a network that looks right
💡 Remember: When in doubt, use your mobile data or wait until you're home. Your security is worth the wait!
