There is a real risk of someone's sensitive information being intercepted through technical means on public wireless networks. This behavior is often referred to as a Man-in-the-Middle attack (MITM). Here are some common methods: 1. **Sniffer tools**: Attackers can use wireless sniffing tools to capture data transmitted on an unencrypted network. Many public Wi-Fi networks are not encrypted or use easily cracked encryption, making sniffing easy. 2. **Fake Wi-Fi hotspots**: Attackers can set up a fake hotspot with a similar name. When a user connects to this hotspot, all traffic will pass through the attacker's device, allowing them to intercept data. 3. **SSL stripping**: In this attack, the attacker forces the connection between the user and the secure website to downgrade to an unsecured HTTP connection in order to intercept unencrypted data. 4. **Malware implantation**: Public networks can be used to spread malware. Once a device is infected, the attacker can steal sensitive information, including passwords and bank card information. To protect yourself on public wireless networks, it is recommended to take the following measures: - **Use a VPN**: Using a virtual private network (VPN) on public Wi-Fi can encrypt your network traffic and prevent third-party interception. - **Ensure the website is secure**: Use https encrypted sites (look for the lock icon in the browser address bar) to ensure that data is encrypted during transmission. - **Avoid sensitive operations**: Try to avoid entering sensitive information such as bank account numbers and passwords in an unsecured network environment. - **Use two-factor authentication**: This additional security measure can provide additional protection in the event that your password is stolen. - **Keep your device security updated**: Update your operating system and applications in a timely manner to ensure that you have the latest security patches.