Why are public Wi-Fi networks considered risky to use?

Public Wi-Fi networks are considered risky to use primarily because of their inherent vulnerabilities, which stem from all the factors listed. When using public networks, personal information can be exposed to hackers, as these networks lack sufficient security measures to protect data transmission. This exposure can lead to data breaches where sensitive information, such as passwords and personal identification, is compromised.

Additionally, public Wi-Fi networks are often unencrypted, meaning that the data being sent and received can be intercepted by anyone within range of the network. This lack of encryption allows malicious actors to access the information being transmitted without much difficulty.

Finally, the accessibility of these networks to anyone further compounds the risk. Anyone within proximity can join the same network, and they may have malicious intentions. This environment creates ample opportunity for cybercriminals to attack users who are unaware of the risks involved in connecting to public Wi-Fi without any security protections in place. Therefore, all these factors combined make public Wi-Fi networks particularly hazardous for users.