What to Do Right After Connecting to a Fake Wi-Fi Hotspot

Oh dear, you suspect you've connected to a dodgy Wi-Fi hotspot, sometimes called an "evil twin". Don't panic! These things happen, but acting quickly can help protect your personal information.

Disconnect Immediately

The moment you suspect something isn't right, you need to cut off that connection. The longer you're connected, the more opportunity cybercriminals have to snoop on your activity or try to install nasty software on your device.

Turn off your Wi-Fi, or if you're out and about, switch your device to aeroplane mode. This stops any further data being sent or received over that potentially compromised network.

• Turn off Wi-Fi on your phone, tablet, or laptop.
• Enable 'Aeroplane Mode' or 'Flight Mode' to quickly sever all network connections.
• If using a laptop, unplug any Ethernet cables if you were using a wired connection that might also be compromised.

Remove the Network from Your Device

Once you're disconnected, tell your device to 'forget' that network. This is really important because it stops your device from automatically rejoining it in the future, especially if you happen to be in the same area again.

This simple step prevents your device from falling into the same trap twice.

• On your phone or tablet: Go to 'Settings' > 'Wi-Fi', find the dodgy network's name, tap on it, and select 'Forget This Network' or 'Remove'.
• On Windows: Go to 'Settings' > 'Network & Internet' > 'Wi-Fi' > 'Manage known networks', click on the network name, and select 'Forget'.
• On a Mac: Go to 'System Settings' > 'Network' > 'Wi-Fi', click 'Advanced...', find the network in the list, select it, and click the minus (-) button to remove it.

Change Important Passwords

If you used any websites, apps, or services while connected to the fake Wi-Fi, especially those requiring a login like banking, email, or social media, it's wise to change those passwords immediately. Even if your data wasn't directly stolen, it's better to be safe than sorry.

Start with your most critical accounts and work your way down.

• Online banking and financial apps.
• Your primary email account.
• Social media accounts (Facebook, Instagram, X, etc.).
• Any online shopping sites where you have saved payment details.

Scan Your Device for Malware

Cybercriminals operating fake Wi-Fi hotspots sometimes try to install malicious software (malware) onto connected devices. This software can steal information, show you unwanted ads, or even lock you out of your device.

Running a thorough scan with reputable security software can help find and remove any nasties that might have snuck in.

• Use your existing antivirus or anti-malware software to run a full system scan.
• If you don't have security software, consider installing a well-known option from a trusted provider.
• Ensure your security software is fully updated before running a scan.

Key takeaway

Connecting to a fake Wi-Fi hotspot can be unsettling, but by following these steps, you can significantly reduce the potential harm. Disconnect, remove the network, change crucial passwords, and scan for malware. Stay vigilant, and always be cautious about connecting to unfamiliar Wi-Fi networks in the future.