Democracy Dies in Darkness

You probably don’t need to worry about public WiFi anymore

Here’s what a creep in a coffee shop could actually learn about you

September 26, 2022 at 7:00 a.m. EDT
A padlock with a wifi symbol on it
(Emma Kumer/The Washington Post)
4 min

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?