Cybersecurity Research on Public Wi-Fi Risk Awareness and Security Behavior Among Internet Users

Public Wi-Fi is available in many everyday places, including coffee shops, airports, libraries, malls, and universities, making it easy and convenient to get online. However, many users do not fully understand the security risks that come with connecting to these networks. Some people believe that public Wi-Fi is safe as long as they avoid activities like online banking, but even simple actions such as checking emails can expose personal information on an unsecured network. This gap between what users know about Wi-Fi security and how they behave is a growing concern, especially as attackers use methods such as Man-in-the-Middle attacks and fake Wi-Fi networks to take advantage of users. This study examines the relationship between users' awareness of public Wi-Fi security risks and their actual online behavior on these networks. Data were collected through an online survey of 100 participants, measuring both self-reported awareness of security risks and self-reported behaviors while using public Wi-Fi, such as checking emails, shopping, or logging into personal accounts. Results showed that 85% of participants recognized at least some degree of cybersecurity risk, yet 73% reported having accessed an important account while using public Wi-Fi. These findings suggest that awareness alone is not enough to prevent risky behavior, and that users may need clearer, more practical advice on how to stay safe while using public Wi-Fi.